‘Gov’t committed to invest in growth and development of Gambian youth’

Minister Badjie was speaking at the 2024 UN ECOSOC Youth Forum held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States of America.

“Youth comprise more than 60% of the country’s population,” Minister Badjie said.

Young people are supported with life and livelihood skills training, a scheme to provide grants and loans for SMEs and training along the Agriculture Value Change among others.

Hon. Badjie discussed the development of The Gambia's country Programme of Action for youth with support from UNFPA, aligning it with the National Youth Policy and the National Development Plan 2023-2027.

He noted that the UNDP and other development partners and youth groups are working through the National Youth Council to develop a Youth Peace and Security National Action Plan, designed to meet international obligations under UNSCR 2250 and other relevant frameworks.

“The 2024 UN ECOSOC Youth Forum aimed at reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises,” Minister Badjie pointed out.

It is an annual initiative of the ECOSOC President, providing a platform for young people to share their ideas, solutions and innovations to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.

Meanwhile, the Gambian delegation also participated in the 4th Meeting of the Ministers of Youth and Sports of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) in Tripoli, Libya.

CEN-SAD is one of the eight Regional Economic Communities recognised by the African Union, serving as a key pillar for integration, economic growth, social progress, and sustainable development across the continent.

The Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) includes 25 African states that span the Sahara and the Sahel regions. Established on 4 February 1998 in Tripoli, Libya, it continues to play an important role in fostering regional cooperation and development.

The Gambia was represented at the meeting by the deputy permanent secretary Lamin A. Camara (who led the delegation), the general manager of NEDI, Mam Lisa Camara, and the focal person for Youth Connekt Gambia, Basiru Jaye.

Their participation underscores The Gambia's commitment to promoting youth empowerment and sports development in the region.

The country’s participation in the youth convergence would aid government in their quest to address some of the issues affecting young people in The Gambia.