The two-day high-level dialogue is part of a global effort to advance structured engagement with legislative bodies as outlined in the UN Secretary-General’s Our Common Agenda and the Pact for the Future. The dialogue draws on recent milestones, including the Eighth International Parliamentarians’ Conference on the Implementation (IPCI) of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the ICPD Global Youth Dialogue. These platforms have highlighted the urgency of youth-inclusive policies to advance the ICPD Programme of Action, promoting youth rights, gender equality, and sustainable development.
Addressing the gathering, Karl Frédérick Paul, UN Resident Coordinator in The Gambia, while expressing warmest welcome to the delegates, acknowledged that as leaders and champions of progress within their respective spheres of influence, it is a testament not only to their dedication but also to ‘our collective resolve to forge a future that is characterized by inclusivity, equity, and sustainability for all.’
“The United Nations across the world and in the Gambia stands resolutely beside you in this critical endeavor, recognizing that our shared vision can only be realized through collaborative and concerted action.”
He unequivocally acknowledged the pivotal role that young people, and particularly young leaders play in driving forward the transformative agenda as enshrined within landmark frameworks like the ICPD Programme of Action, the Cotonou Youth Action Agenda, and the global Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda.
“Your voices, brimming with passion and conviction, your boundless energy, your innovative and forward-thinking ideas, and your lived experiences, shaped by the realities of your generation, are not merely valuable assets; they are indispensable catalysts for achieving the ambitious goals articulated within the Sustainable Development Goals. Without your active engagement, your dynamic leadership, and your unwavering commitment, our aspiration for a just, equitable, and prosperous world will remain incomplete.”
He acknowledged that the world's burgeoning youth population particularly in Africa where they are gathered brims with vitality, dynamism, and a spirit of innovation, represents an extraordinary wellspring of potential to catalyze progress across all sectors of society.
“This strategic dialogue convened at this critical juncture where they are celebrating the ICPD@30, offers a unique and invaluable platform for you to not only articulate your perspectives and share your insights but to engage in a robust and meaningful exchange of ideas, forge powerful and enduring alliances, and collectively chart a course towards youth-centered policies that are responsive to the diverse needs and aspirations of the next generation and contribute to sustained peace.”
Ndeye Rose Sarr UNFPA representative in The Gambia, expressed delight to be associated with the event, saying the dialogue on youth and peace being held in The Gambia, makes a lot sense.
She described the initiative as quite apt coming at a time when the country is also undergoing transitional justice and further called on delegates to feel at home.
She thanked the government for the support, saying they’re conducting the initiative in the framework of ICPD at 30 coming on the backdrop of the last Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya in 2019.
The dialogue, she added, would also enable them to take stock of where they are in terms of their full agenda, acknowledging that as young parliamentarians they have the power to change a lot of things.
She described the initiative as the beginning of long fruitful collaborations with delegates in implementing their programmes.
The event was graced by UN staff from New York as well as delegates from around the world.
