Regional integration and the prevention of violent extremism remain major challenges in Western Africa.  Overcoming these challenges is central to achieving lasting peace and security, poverty reduction, quality education, labour law harmonisation, social security, respect for basic human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, and democratic participation.

Work in this region aims to support Member States in the review, design, and implementation of policies geared towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.  UNESCO’s Western African regional arm works to support and monitor these efforts and cooperates closely with partners such as ECOWAS, CODESRIA, the Africa Policy Institute, national governmental institutions, and line ministries.