Seedy S.K. Njie was speaking on Tuesday while addressing youth parliamentarians from around the globe at a two-day Strategic Development Forum organised by the UNFPA Country Office held at Bakadaji Hotel.
Deputy Speaker Njie observed that the youth are not only the future leaders, but they are indeed the leaders of the present.
“Today, we gather at a time when youth participation in governance and politics has become more critical than ever. The world is facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change to armed conflict, migration, the erosion of democratic spaces, and global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, as we confront these crises, it is increasingly vital that the youth of today are not passive observers of the world around them, but active agents of change, catalysts for innovation, and leaders in their own right.”
He maintained that youth voices, their perspectives, and solutions must be heard in the decision-making rooms of government.
To that end, he lauded the timing of the dialogue, while acknowledging the critical role that youth parliamentarians play in shaping policy, creating resilient communities, and promoting peace and prosperity.
At the home front, he highlighted the country’s commitment to supporting young people, saying the country’s parliament is a clear example, with over fifty percent of its members being young.
This, he said, includes himself, who represents the energy and promise of the next generation.
“Such representation sends a powerful message that youth are not just a demographic to be governed but are a dynamic force in governance.”
