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<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><BR><STRONG>PRESS
RELEASE</STRONG><BR><STRONG>For immediate
release</STRONG><BR> <BR><STRONG><EM>Visual
Assets including b-roll, photos with captions and
social media assets are available here:
</EM></STRONG><A
style="COLOR: #2baadf; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; mso-line-height-rule: exactly"
href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IteMT6ZJCGz2el_-GvWDCFAW6WkWmn1Y"><STRONG><EM>https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IteMT6ZJCGz2el_-GvWDCFAW6WkWmn1Y</EM></STRONG></A><BR> <BR><STRONG>Musicians
Baaba Maal and Inna Modja appointed<BR>UNCCD
Goodwill Ambassadors</STRONG><BR> </DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><STRONG>Bonn, 17
April 2023 - </STRONG>The United Nations
Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is
proud to announce that Baaba Maal and Inna Modja
have been appointed as its Goodwill
Ambassadors.<BR><BR>Both have previously served as
UNCCD Land Ambassadors, helping the Convention
raise awareness of land degradation,
desertification and drought with their fans around
the world.<BR><BR>In this new designation, the duo
will act as honorary spokespeople, playing a
crucial role in raising awareness and advocating
for the objectives of the Convention with youth,
women, children and affected
communities.<BR><BR>It is hoped the new Goodwill
Ambassadors will inspire the public and
decision-makers to take practical actions and
drive policies to achieve the Convention’s mission
to promote sustainable land stewardship. They will
also help advance efforts to reduce poverty and
promote gender equality, especially among
climate-vulnerable, land-dependent
populations.<BR><BR>The UNCCD was set up in 1994
in response to the global challenges of
desertification, land degradation and drought. The
Convention works with its 197 Parties to achieve
Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030, a
global target enshrined in the Sustainable
Development Goals. Up to 40 per cent of land
worldwide is currently degraded, with dire
consequences for our climate, biodiversity and
livelihoods. Droughts are up 29 per cent since
2000, driven by both climate change and land
degradation.<BR><BR>Ibrahim Thiaw,
Under-Secretary-General and UNCCD Executive
Secretary, said: “I am honoured that Baaba Maal
and Inna Modja have agreed to take on the
important role of UNCCD Goodwill Ambassadors. With
their global influence and commitment to
sustainability, these outstanding artists will
play a crucial role in raising awareness around
the importance of combatting desertification, land
degradation and drought.<BR><BR>“I am confident
that their appointment will significantly
strengthen our efforts to mitigate today’s impacts
of land degradation and advance tomorrow’s land
stewardship to provide food, water, shelter and
economic opportunity to all people in an equitable
and inclusive manner.”<BR><BR>Baaba Maal, the
Grammy-Award-winning Senegalese singer who
produced music for ‘Wakanda Forever’ movie, said:
“I'm proud to be a UNCCD Goodwill Ambassador,
using my music and influence to fight against
desertification, land degradation, and gender
inequality. By empowering women and
ensuring equal opportunities, we can shape a
sustainable and just future for our planet. Join
me in preserving our land, supporting
climate-vulnerable communities, and empowering
women to create a better world for
all.”<BR><BR>Inna Modja, the Malian singer,
actress and Sahel activist, said: “I am deeply
honored to serve as a UNCCD Goodwill Ambassador.
As a woman, artist, and climate and social justice
activist, I believe it’s vital to empower
women and youth and promote gender equality
in the fight against desertification and land
degradation. Together, we can create a brighter,
sustainable
future”.<BR> <BR><STRONG>ENDS</STRONG><BR><STRONG><U>Notes
to editors</U></STRONG><BR>For more information or
interviews, please contact: <BR>UNCCD Press
Office: <A
style="COLOR: #2baadf; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; mso-line-height-rule: exactly"
href="mailto:press@unccd.int">press@unccd.int</A>
or <A
style="COLOR: #2baadf; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; mso-line-height-rule: exactly"
title=mailto:unccd@portland-communications.com
href="mailto:unccd@portland-communications.com"
target=_blank>unccd@portland-communications.com</A><BR> <BR>Xenya
Scanlon, Chief of Communications, External
Relations and Partnerships, <A
style="COLOR: #2baadf; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; mso-line-height-rule: exactly"
href="mailto:xscanlon@unccd.int">xscanlon@unccd.int</A> <BR>Sarah
Banda Genchev, Goodwill Ambassador Focal Point, <A
style="COLOR: #2baadf; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; mso-line-height-rule: exactly"
href="mailto:sbanda-genchev@unccd.int">sbanda-genchev@unccd.int</A><BR><BR> <BR><STRONG><U>About
UNCCD</U></STRONG> <BR>United Nations
Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is
the global vision and voice for land. We unite
governments, scientists, policymakers, private
sector and communities around a shared vision and
global action to restore and manage the world’s
land for the sustainability of humanity and the
planet. Much more than an international treaty
signed by 197 parties, UNCCD is a multilateral
commitment to mitigating today’s impacts of land
degradation and advancing tomorrow’s land
stewardship in order to provide food, water,
shelter and economic opportunity to all people in
an equitable and inclusive
manner.<BR> <BR><STRONG>About Baaba
Maal</STRONG><BR>Baaba Maal is a world-renowned
Senegalese singer and guitarist who has been
committed to various development challenges in
Africa since 2003. He is known internationally as
a music composer, US Billboard chart No.1 artist,
and a Grammy winner. Baaba Maal is also a
passionate advocate for sustainable development
and environmental action.<BR><BR><STRONG>About
Inna Modja</STRONG><BR>Inna Modja, a Malian
actress, singer, and environmental activist,
appeared in and wrote the music for the UNCCD's
2019 Great Green Wall documentary. With a strong
following in Francophone West Africa and France,
Inna is a leader among the young people committed
to changing the narrative of the Sahel.</DIV>
<DIV
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><BR><STRONG><U>COMMUNIQUE
DE PRESSE </U></STRONG><BR><STRONG><U>Pour
publication
immédiate</U></STRONG><BR> <BR><STRONG><EM>Les
ressources visuelles, y compris le B-roll, les
photos avec légendes et les ressources pour les
réseaux sociaux sont disponibles ici
:</EM></STRONG><BR><A
style="COLOR: #2baadf; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; mso-line-height-rule: exactly"
href="https://unccd.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d257fa3ad4084c603979d0e42&id=565cae5b12&e=2649914cd5"><STRONG><EM>https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IteMT6ZJCGz2el_-GvWDCFAW6WkWmn1Y</EM></STRONG></A><BR> </DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><STRONG>Les
musiciens Baaba Maal et Inna Modja nommés
Ambassadeurs de bonne volonté de la
CNULCD</STRONG><BR><BR><STRONG>Bonn, 17 avril
2023</STRONG> - La Convention des Nations Unies
sur la lutte contre la désertification (CNULCD)
est fière d'annoncer la nomination de Baaba Maal
et Inna Modja en tant qu’Ambassadeurs de bonne
volonté.<BR><BR>Tous deux étaient auparavant
Ambassadeurs pour les terres de la CNULCD, aidant
la Convention à sensibiliser leurs audiences du
monde entier aux enjeux de la dégradation des
sols, de la désertification et de la
sécheresse.<BR>Dans le cadre de cette nouvelle
nomination, le duo agira en tant que porte-parole
honoraire, jouant un rôle crucial dans la
sensibilisation et la défense des objectifs de la
Convention auprès des jeunes, des femmes, des
enfants et des communautés touchées.<BR><BR>Les
nouveaux ambassadeurs de bonne volonté
permettront, il faut l’espérer, d’inciter le
public et les décideurs à prendre des mesures
pratiques et à mener des politiques. Ceci afin de
réaliser la mission de la convention, qui est de
promouvoir une gestion durable des terres. Ils
contribueront également à faire progresser les
efforts visant à réduire la pauvreté ainsi qu’à
promouvoir l'égalité des genres, en particulier
parmi les populations vulnérables au climat et
dépendantes des terres.<BR><BR>La CNULCD a été
créée en 1994 pour répondre aux défis mondiaux de
la désertification, de la dégradation des sols et
de la sécheresse. La convention collabore avec ses
197 Parties pour parvenir à la neutralité en
matière de dégradation des terres d'ici à 2030, un
objectif mondial inscrit dans les objectifs de
développement durable. Jusqu'à 40 % des terres
dans le monde sont actuellement dégradées, ce qui
a des conséquences désastreuses sur le climat, la
biodiversité et les moyens de subsistance. Les
sécheresses ont augmenté de 29 % depuis 2000 sous
l'effet du changement climatique et de la
dégradation des terres.<BR><BR>Ibrahim Thiaw,
Secrétaire général adjoint des Nations Unies et
Secrétaire exécutif de la CNULCD, a déclaré :
« Je suis honoré que Baaba Maal et Inna Modja
aient accepté de jouer le rôle important
d’Ambassadeurs de bonne volonté de la CNULCD.
Grâce à leur influence mondiale et à leur
engagement en faveur de la durabilité, ces
artistes exceptionnels joueront un rôle crucial
dans la sensibilisation à l'importance de la lutte
contre la désertification, la dégradation des sols
et la sécheresse ».<BR>« Je suis
convaincu que leur nomination renforcera
considérablement nos efforts visant à atténuer les
effets actuels de la dégradation des terres et à
promouvoir la gestion des terres de demain afin de
fournir de la nourriture, de l'eau, un abri et des
opportunités économiques à toutes les personnes
d'une manière équitable et inclusive.
»<BR><BR>Baaba Maal, chanteur sénégalais
récompensé par un Grammy Award qui a produit la
musique du film "Wakanda Forever", a déclaré :
« Je suis fier d'être Ambassadeur de bonne
volonté de la CNULCD et d'utiliser ma musique
ainsi que mon influence pour lutter contre la
désertification, la dégradation des sols et
l'inégalité entre les genres. En renforçant
l'autonomie des femmes et en garantissant
l'égalité des chances, nous pouvons façonner un
avenir durable et juste pour notre planète.
Rejoignez-moi pour préserver nos terres, soutenir
les communautés vulnérables au climat et donner
aux femmes les moyens de créer un monde meilleur
pour tous ».<BR><BR>Inna Modja, chanteuse
malienne, actrice et militante du Sahel, a déclaré
: « Je suis très honorée d'être Ambassadrice
de bonne volonté de la CNULCD. En tant que femme,
artiste et militante pour le climat et la justice
sociale, je suis convaincue qu'il est essentiel de
donner aux femmes et aux jeunes les moyens d'agir
et de promouvoir l'égalité des genres dans la
lutte contre la désertification et la dégradation
des sols. Ensemble, nous pouvons créer un avenir
plus radieux et durable.
»<BR><STRONG>FIN</STRONG><BR><BR><STRONG><U>Note
aux éditeurs </U></STRONG><BR>Pour plus
d'informations ou interviews, veuillez contacter
:<BR>Service de presse de la CNULCD : <A
style="COLOR: #2baadf; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; mso-line-height-rule: exactly"
href="mailto:press@unccd.int">press@unccd.int</A>
ou <A
style="COLOR: #2baadf; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; mso-line-height-rule: exactly"
title=mailto:unccd@portland-communications.com
href="mailto:unccd@portland-communications.com"
target=_blank>unccd@portland-communications.com</A><BR>Xenya
Scanlon, chef de la communication, des relations
extérieures et des partenariats, <A
style="COLOR: #2baadf; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; mso-line-height-rule: exactly"
href="mailto:xscanlon@unccd.int">xscanlon@unccd.int</A> <BR>Sarah
Banda Genchev, point focal des Ambassadeurs de
bonne volonté, <A
style="COLOR: #2baadf; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; mso-line-height-rule: exactly"
href="mailto:sbanda-genchev@unccd.int">sbanda-genchev@unccd.int</A><BR> <BR><STRONG><U>À
propos de la CNULCD</U></STRONG><BR>La Convention
des Nations unies sur la lutte contre la
désertification (CNULCD) est la vision et la voix
mondiale pour la terre. Nous rassemblons les
gouvernements, les scientifiques, les décideurs,
le secteur privé et les communautés autour d'une
vision commune et d'une action mondiale visant à
restaurer et à gérer les terres du monde pour la
durabilité de l'humanité et de la planète. Bien
plus qu'un traité international signé par 197
Parties, la CNULCD est un engagement multilatéral
visant à atténuer les effets actuels de la
dégradation des terres et à promouvoir la gestion
des terres de demain afin de fournir de la
nourriture, de l'eau, un abri et des opportunités
économiques à toutes les personnes d'une manière
équitable et inclusive.<BR> <BR><STRONG><U>À
propos de Baaba Maal</U></STRONG><BR>Baaba Maal
est un chanteur et guitariste sénégalais de
renommée mondiale qui s'est engagé à relever
divers défis de développement en Afrique depuis
2003. Il est internationalement connu en tant que
compositeur de musique, artiste n°1 du Billboard
américain et lauréat d'un Grammy. Baaba Maal est
également un fervent défenseur du développement
durable et de l'action
environnementale.<BR> <BR><STRONG><U>À propos
d'Inna Modja</U></STRONG><BR>Inna Modja, actrice,
chanteuse et activiste environnementale malienne,
a écrit la musique du documentaire de la Grande
Muraille Verte de la CNULCD en 2019 dans lequel
elle est également apparue. Très suivie en Afrique
de l'Ouest francophone et en France, Inna est une
leader parmi les jeunes qui s'engagent à changer
la perception du
Sahel.<BR><BR> </DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!--[if mso]>
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vAlign=top align=middle>United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification · UNCCD · Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, Bonn,
Germany · Bonn 53113 · Germany <BR><BR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<DIV align=left><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial; BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"
align=left><B>From:</B> <A title=press@unccd.int
href="mailto:press@unccd.int">UNCCD Secretariat</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial" align=left><B>Sent:</B> Monday, April 17,
2023 3:28 PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial" align=left><B>Subject:</B> Press Release:
Musicians Baaba Maal and Inna Modja appointed UNCCD Goodwill
Ambassadors</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV><!--
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