GYCC prexy to contest in WCF General Council Election

A total of 67 applications from 52 countries and territories, covering every region of the world have been received, expressing readiness to serve on the WCF General Council. Out of this figure, 59 applications have been approved with 16 from Europe, 5 from Africa, 9 from Middle East and North Africa, 8 from Asia Pacific, 15 from Americas and 6 from Transnational Chambers.

In a statement ICC said: "Upon demonstrating commitment to supporting the WCF in representing the global interests of chambers worldwide and contributing to its program in alignment with the broader strategies and objectives of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC); all chambers that are WCF members (i.e ICC member chambers approved by WCF General Council as per WCF bylaws) are eligible to vote and each one will have access to the profiles of the candidates in Award Stage."

The election for the new WCF General Council, the release added, will take place from the 1st to 25th April 2025 on the Award Stage platform.

Reacting to the development, Gassama said it is a great privilege for The Gambia to be represented in such a very important global organisation, which has great influence and support services in international arbitration, global trade advocacy, networking and trade policy developments.

"Out of over 500 Chambers of Commerce in 124 Countries, The Gambia Youth Chamber of Commerce is the 59 participating candidate and the only youth candidate in this election, also among only 5 from Africa," he said.

"I am quite proud to represent the voices of Gambian businesses and entrepreneurs at the World Chambers Federation," he ended.

Gassama further advised youth to be consistent in pursuing development aspirations in a holistic, inclusive and proactive manner, while focusing on human capital development and policy advocacy.

He equally encouraged all to engage in self-help initiatives, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, and local solution orientated interventions.

Moving forward, he called on all youth to increase economic and employment opportunities through a sustainable and scalable approach as innovative means of reducing the effects of youth unemployment.