Founded in 2001, PAG is a youth-led, non-partisan and volunteer-driven organisation committed to promoting peace, democracy and active citizenship. Over the years, it has expanded its footprint beyond The Gambia to include initiatives in Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, focusing on conflict resolution, election observation, civic education and youth leadership.
Speaking at the briefing, Mr. Darboe said the anniversary is both a celebration of achievements and an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s contribution to national development and social cohesion.
He noted that PAG has trained over 1,500 members through its recruitment programmes, equipping young people with skills in peacebuilding, communication, mediation and leadership. The organisation has also implemented its Kanda Training programme, targeting community leaders such as chiefs, members of parliament and elders to strengthen dialogue-based conflict resolution mechanisms.
According to him, the initiative aims to revive traditional methods of resolving disputes, which have been increasingly replaced by formal legal processes.
PAG has also invested in youth leadership development through its National Youth Leadership Training, benefiting more than 500 young people across the country. The programme focuses on building capacity in leadership, advocacy, fundraising, and organisational management.
In schools, the organisation runs the Ambassadors Peer Peace Motivators clubs, designed to instill values of non-violence, tolerance and conflict prevention among students.
On the regional front, PAG has undertaken cross-border peace initiatives, particularly in southern Senegal’s Casamance region. These efforts have included community engagement, peace advocacy and participation in peacebuilding activities in conflict-affected areas.
The organisation has also been actively involved in election observation since 2006, monitoring presidential, parliamentary and local government elections in The Gambia. Through its Elections Watch initiatives, PAG promotes transparency, accountability and inclusive participation in the electoral process.
Mr. Darboe added that the 25th anniversary celebration will feature a series of activities, including an official launch, intergenerational dialogue, peace caravans, community outreach programmes, clean-up exercises, tree planting, debate competitions and an awards ceremony to recognise individuals and institutions that have contributed to peacebuilding and youth empowerment.
He said the commemoration will also serve as a platform to strengthen partnerships and mobilise support for the organisation’s future work.
PAG officials emphasised that the milestone highlights the role of youth-led organisations in promoting peace, democracy and social cohesion, while encouraging young people to take active roles in national development.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining its peacebuilding efforts and expanding its impact in the years ahead.
