The training was meant to build momentum on the development of the first-ever National Action Plan on youth, peace and security by building the capacity of relevant stakeholders on the processes to strengthen their effective participation.
Lamin Ceesay, representative of the Executive Director of National Youth Council, highlighted that peace and security are important for nation building, economic development and sustainable growth.
He emphasised that young people are always at the forefront of these endeavors.
“I implore you the participants to make the best use of the forum. This will help us shape our lives and also contribute meaningfully towards national development. I know that CSOs and youth organisations are all active players on issues of nation-building.” he said.
Bakery Sonko, National Programme Coordinator of Peace Hub, explained that the National Action Plan is an instrument that will ensure the implementation of government commitment to international Laws.
The action plan, he went on, is the domestication of international instruments, adding that it is important they build the capacity of stakeholders to understand what their roles are.
“To develop a policy is important to ensure that stakeholders are well equipped to be able to advance to the regularisation of these policies.” he said.
He thus thanked the GIZ support office to the African Union and the African Union Youth for Peace Programme for their immense support.
Cherno Gaye, a participant, acknowledged that The Gambia is going through a transitional justice period and peacebuilding process, describing the training as ‘quite apt’, as it availed young people the opportunity to have a say.
“The training is going to put young people and CSOs in a position where we can properly participate in the development of this document but also make clear the position and concerns of young people with regards to the development of this document.” he said
