By Kumba Leigh
The Gambia Government, in collaboration with United Nations (UN) in The Gambia last week convened a two-day national consultation to make a common stance in amplifying voices of the young people, shape Gambia’s development trajectory, and showcase the country’s commitment to inclusive, and sustainable development. The common stance expressed in a position paper, will be presented at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in 22-23 September in New York.
With strategic coordination, high-level engagement, and a focus on concrete outcomes, The Gambia Government and the United Nations in The Gambia ensured that the event catalysed lasting change for Gambian youth and serve as a model for youth engagement in development processes worldwide.
The consultation forum represented a critical opportunity to demonstrate The Gambia Government and UN’s commitment to youth engagement and to position The Gambia as a leader in youth-driven development.
Through the event, a platform was provided for Gambian youths to articulate their vision for a better future, addressing challenges and opportunities across various sectors, while ensuring their perspectives are elevated and their participation is meaningful in shaping the future through the ‘Summit of the Future’ and related initiatives.
Reactions from stakeholders:
During the sideline interviews with stakeholdersthe, Karl Federic Paul, United Nations Resident Coordinator, noted the significance of the forum, and revealed that over 200 youths across the country attended the two-day event.
“The young generation has the right on how to reshape our decisions, engage in democracy, and empowerment; thus, their commitment will help shape national policies and global agendas, as well enhance the path to inclusion for a more sustainable future. Their contributions will contribute to the ‘Global Pack for the Future’, and influence how the world addresses its pressing challenges,” he said.
Secretary General, and Head of the Gambia Civil Service, Madam Salimatou Touray, said The Gambia being largely made up of a vibrant youthful population holds both incredible progress and significant challenges.
Referring to the youth population bulge in the country, the SG pointed out the need for sustainable policies to support the growing population.
“While migration and immigration is expected to decrease the population by two thousand, six hundred people per year, and the Gambia’s population density has changed from 59.7 in 1980 to 239.9 in 2022, and it is rising,” she cautioned.
Madam Touray also highlighted the disparities in literacy rates between men and women. “Despite education is not the pathway to one’s success, it is key to unlocking the nation’s full potential. Therefore, people must commit themselves to the nation’s education, while recognising a strategic necessity for national development”.
Bakary Y. Badgie, Minister of Youths and Sports, explained that the youth position paper encompasses five thematic areas that were carefully chosen, to focus on the mandate of the UN, and what is envisaged to be discussed in September.
He said it also incorporates the Recovery Focused NDP 2023-2027, the National Youth Policy 2019-2028, National Employment Action Plan 2023-2027, and the United Nation Country Programme Documents, which will help have greater understanding of the development aspirations of The Gambia.
The thematic areas deliberated on are: innovation, climate change resilience, gender equity and empowerment for women and girls, bridging digital divide of access to technology and opportunities, global governance, human rights, political processes, and empowerment through education and well-being.
The Gambian position will be incorporated into action-orientated global document called the Pact for the Future.
