The pre-summit boot camp sessions have been incredible. Young entrepreneurs from all around Africa attended the summit. "Jobs for Youth through Innovative Skilling" is this year's theme.
The Gambian delegation were present at the technical committee meeting on various Youth Connekt interventions in The Gambia, including a pitching contest, the National Youth Service Scheme and youth fairs.
The impactful initiatives are commendable. The summit shared valuable ideas during the Export Accelerator session.
The Gambia delegation, led by Hon. Minister for Youth and Sports Bakary Y. Badjie, paraded in a stately fashion during the Youth Connekt Africa Summit'24 opening ceremony.
“Today, I urge each of us to commit to this vision of collaboration. Let us create pathways that empower our youth to be the leaders and innovators Africa needs,’’ Minister Badjie.
Minister Badjie stated that The Gambia opens its arms for collaboration to address the gaps in the continent’s systems and work together to ensure that every young African can access quality education, market-relevant skills, and sustainable employment opportunities.
UNDP The Gambia remains committed to expanding these efforts.
Delivering welcome remarks on behalf of the Director of Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, Ms Arlette Akingeneye, Health and Wellbeing Programme Associate, reiterated that the Egumeni Hub is designed to be a transformative space for young people to shape their journey, and urged them to actively engage in the sessions.
‘‘The sessions capitalized on the Egumeni Hub, which allowed partners such as IOM, UNDP Africa and AUEU Youth Lab to share their work and what participants can expect from their upcoming sessions at the Hub,’’ Arlette Akingeneye said.
One Million Next Level Initiatives by African Union Youth Program's Youth Engagement was led by Joshua Quaye.
Mr Quaye provided an overview of the initiative as a continental initiative promoting youth's development and empowerment in Africa.
‘‘The summit engaged AU-EU Youth Lab on grants and opportunities for youth organizations including the innovation, representation and cooperation grants,’’ Quaye said.
The 2024 Youth Connekt summit was witnessed by H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, Prime Minister of Lesotho, Ms Ahunna, Regional Director of the UNDP, African Union Commission’s representatives, ministers of Youth, development partners and the continent's youth groups.
