Themed on ‘Enhancing Africa’s Sports Governance: Fostering Inter-Regional Cooperation and Convergence for Sport Values, Ethics, and Integrity,’ the meeting aims to strengthen ethical standards and foster collaboration among key stakeholders in the sports sector across the continent.
The forum was held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo.
In his opening statement, Bakary Y. Badjie, minister for Youth and Sports, highlighted the importance of the event for The Gambia. "This meeting is a significant milestone, underscoring our commitment to ethical sports management and enhancing our influence within the African sports community," Minister Badjie stated.
Minister Badjie emphasised The Gambia government’s commitment and gratitude in hosting the event. "This initiative is a major investment in the future of sports in Africa. By bringing together top officials and industry leaders, we aim to strengthen sports governance through collaboration," he said.
Reflecting on The Gambia's progress, Minister Badjie noted: "Transparency and ethical practices are at the core of our sports policies. Hosting this prestigious event is a testament to our dedication to these values."
He also stressed the broader significance of the meeting. "This event places The Gambia at the forefront of sports governance in Africa, showcasing our commitment to fairness and integrity," he added.
Minister Badjie expressed confidence in its impact on the future of sports governance in Africa. "This is a pivotal moment. The outcomes of this meeting will pave the way for a more ethical and unified future in sports," he concluded.
H.E.Muhammad B. S. Jallow, the vice president of the Gambia, expressed the Gambia Government’s commitment to the fourth inter-regional ministerial meeting on anti-doping in the sports department within the sub-region.
“As a signatory to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport, The Gambia takes the issue of doping in sports very seriously,” he said, adding “hosting this meeting will not only showcase the country’s dedication to a fair and clean sporting environment but also provide an opportunity for international collaboration and the exchange of ideas on how to combat doping in sports.”
“We have full confidence in our ability to host this meeting and showcase The Gambia as a capable and competent country in the global fight against doping in sports," he noted.
VP Jallow indicated that the meeting aims to strengthen sport governance in Africa by fostering inter-regional collaboration on values, ethics, and integrity, and it has convened ministers, policy makers, and sports professionals to strategic sustainable approaches for sport governance across the continent.
Mr. Matar Ba at the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sports, said sports is the game that unifies people. "We are embarking on the value of sports in Africa. Youths need to be empowered in sports in order to avoid using doping so that they can promote fair play and integrity in the sports.
He called on the African government to support this initiative because it is a platform that provides the opportunities for the government officials within the sub-region to share ideas and solutions in order to promote ethics, fair play and integrity in sports development in Africa and beyond.
