Kombo South Youth Parliamentarian, Hon Omar A. Manjang, has represented The Gambia at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWA) youth conference in Accra, Ghana.
The conference, which was part of ECOWAS 50th anniversary celebrations, brought together over hundred youth leaders across ECOWAS member states.
The youth discussed key issues such as education, employment, digital innovation and peace building.
Hon. Manjang, known for his dedication to youth development in The Gambia, stated that the conference provided a vital platform for them to connect and learn from each other.
The ECOWAS youth conference was aimed at empowering young people to play active role in shaping the future of West Africa. The youth developed recommendations that would inform future ECOWAS policies on youth development and inclusion.
The conference discussed the challenges and opportunities surrounding youth participation, particularly with regard to unemployment and underemployment in West Africa.
The conference also discussed youth unemployment and the impact of their instrumentalization, showcasing successful youth initiatives and enterprises, and exploring funding and innovation opportunities such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Human Capital Development (HCD) Catalytic Investment Fund initiative, which were some of the topics addressed at the major Youth Conference.
The Ghanaian Ministry of Youth and Development, which was very instrumental in the celebration of the ECOWAS' 50th anniversary and the youth conference, also addressed themes such as the role of technology in creating employment opportunities and solving employment problems.
The conference advocated reforms to align education with labour market needs and highlight effective continuing education programmes.
About ECOWAS
Founded in 1975, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic union of fifteen states.
Its mission is to promote economic integration, peace and development across West Africa.
Over the past five decades, ECOWAS has played crucial role in fostering regional cooperation and stability, especially through its focus on trade, mobility and youth engagement.
Hon Manjang’s participation in the ECOWAS youth conference marks a significant milestone for Kombo South and reflects The Gambia’s active role in regional dialogue on youth development and leadership.
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