The President of the Republic of Senegal, His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, today called on the world to mobilise against the challenges threatening global development goals as the Dakar 2026 Summit on Sport and Sustainable Development opened at the King Fahd Palace, on the sidelines of the Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event ever hosted on African soil.
President Faye pointed to wars, terrorism, attacks on multilateralism, illicit financial flows, unfair treatment of debt, extremism and racism, including in sport, as obstacles to inclusive development. He stressed that reform of the global system is possible with political will, and called for the observance of the Olympic Truce in the spirit of peace, solidarity and dialogue between peoples. He noted that Senegal's resolution on the Olympic Truce for Dakar 2026 was recently adopted by the Executive Board of UNESCO.
The Senegalese President said lasting peace creates the conditions for sustainable investment in the sports ecosystem, beginning with a sports policy that covers school, university, amateur and elite competition, training and infrastructure financing. He added that the Games are already a catalyst for youth development and employability, with new and renovated facilities giving young people spaces to thrive and strengthening community cohesion.
The Gambia was represented by His Excellency Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow, on behalf of His Excellency President Adama Barrow. He was accompanied by the Gambian High Commissioner to Senegal and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.
Also addressing the summit, Senegal's Minister of Youth and Sports, Djirรฉye Clotilde Coly, said true victory is measured not only by medals, but by what remains once the spotlight fades.
Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group), said Africa is no longer only exporting its talent but is now hosting world-class events that create value at home.
The Gambia's presence reflects our continued commitment to regional cooperation, peace and the empowerment of our young people.
