Statement of the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Head of Mission of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)

Since its establishment in 1964, the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) has stood at the forefront of regional cooperation, guided by its founding mission to promote the sustainable and harmonious management of the water and environmental resources of the Lake Chad Basin. A key pillar of this mission has always been the collection, processing and dissemination of data and knowledge, without which, sound policy and effective action would not be possible.

Over the decades, LCBC has consistently maintained this tradition of evidence-based decision-making. A significant milestone in this endeavour was the development of the Lake Chad Information System (LIS) , a comprehensive regional database designed to collect, store, manage, and visualise data across the Basin. Through maps, charts, and tables, LIS synthesises vital environmental, hydrological, climatic, and socio-economic data from all LCBC Member States and partner institutions. It offers a reliable and accessible knowledge base via its dedicated web portal (https://lis.cblt.org), thereby serving as both a repository and a catalyst for regional exchange, coordination, and collaboration.

In recent years, and in response to the increasing complexity of challenges in the Lake Chad region, including fragility, conflict, and vulnerability, LCBC has taken further steps to strengthen its role as a regional knowledge hub. One such step is the development of a Knowledge Management Platform (KMP) under the Lake Chad Region Recovery and Development Project (PROLAC) . This platform marks a significant advancement in our collective effort to convert data into actionable knowledge for development and stabilisation.

The KMP aims to support timely and reliable data collection, produce knowledge products, and enable the dissemination of up-to-date and accurate information on the various interconnected drivers of instability and underdevelopment. It also offers a platform for regional dialogue and cooperation, where policymakers, technical experts, civil society, and development partners can share insights and develop coherent, well-informed responses to the region's needs.

Building on the foundations established by the LIS, the Knowledge Management Platform provides improved decision support capabilities. It enables stakeholders to better map risks, vulnerabilities, and existing interventions, while also recognising opportunities for investment and cooperation in fragile and conflict-affected zones.

As the Executive Secretary of LCBC and Head of Mission of the MNJTF, I reaffirm our steadfast commitment to promoting a culture of knowledge management, collaboration, and data-driven governance. This platform is not merely a tool, it is a symbol of our shared vision for a resilient, peaceful, and prosperous Lake Chad Basin.

Let us keep investing in knowledge, for knowledge is power and, in our context, the power to shape the future of millions across the Lake Chad Basin