The event, supported by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund Secretariat, attracted officials from the UN systems in The Gambia. It was designed to raise awareness and ensure the well-being of young people in the country.
Seraphine Wakana, United Nations resident coordinator in The Gambia, underscored the importance of the consultative meeting, saying it is all geared towards creating space for young people to talk about their needs, problems and recommendations on possible solutions towards the attainment of the UN goals.
The meeting, she added, also sought to provide a unique opportunity for partners to increase political advocacy efforts and strengthen national and regional-based commitments and accountability for the well-being of young people and inform ongoing efforts to report on the country's progress in attaining the SDGs.
Omar Cham, Speaker of the National Youth Parliament, outlined some of the challenges young people face in the country.
While urging government intervention to address those challenges, he outlined the need for such a meeting that will engage the young people to be adequately looked out for.
"The consultative meeting takes on a heightened significance in the lead-up to the Global Forum for Adolescents and Youth and the SDG Summit, marking the halfway point for implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals."
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