The three-day summit brought together more than 325 young people.
The theme, Moment for Youth: Action for More Socio-economic Development, is meant to empower young people to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country. The initiative aims at connecting Gambian youth for socio-economic transformation.
The summit was funded by the Government of The Gambia, the UNDP and other partners.
Alagie Jarju, Executive Director of the National Youth Council, assured the gathering that his office and partners would make sure that Youth Connekt becomes memorable and successful.
He highlighted the amount of interest young people have in the Youth Connekt and took references of the number of applicants from the previous and this year's summits.
"All sectors of young people are represented here in this hall because we want to make sure that no one is left behind,” he said. “We have an inclusive policy, leaving no one behind."
Baboucarr Boye, Minister for Public Affairs, on behalf of the vice President of the Gambia, said that through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Youth Connekt Gambia Chapter has been demonstrating outstanding efforts in jobs and entrepreneurship, education and skills, civic participation and leadership, gender, technology and innovation.
This, he added, demonstrates that youth development is a key priority to the Government of the Gambia and has gained traction, with this summit serving as an excellent example.
"The Gambia's government applauds the notion of Youth Connekt in influencing legislation, developing alliances, and consolidating programmes that address the challenges of young Gambians," he said.
Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports, said the power of youth cannot be underestimated in this age of rapid change and innovation.
He said: “Your creativity, passion and determination can transform the landscape of our society.
‘‘It is up to you to harness this power for the betterment of our communities, our country, and the global community and I have no doubt you will.
"As a ministry, we are committed to equipping youth with the required skills and competencies to excel and by extension help contribute to the Socio-Economic Development of the Gambia."
Minister Badjie challenges youth to not only be the beneficiaries of opportunities but also to be the creators of opportunities.
"Be the change-makers, innovators, and advocates for a better world. Our success as a nation depends on your active engagement, dedication, and commitment to the values that make us who we are as a nation," he said.
Ms Seraphine Wakana, United Nations Resident Coordinator in The Gambia, said Youth Connekt has offered a chance to nurture youth by providing key knowledge and skills focusing on employment, technological innovation, gender equality, and sustainable development.
She said that when The Gambia joined this transformative movement in 2018, it became a pioneer among African countries.
"Through this stepping stone, we have seen the positive impact of youth engagement, especially in the areas of skill development, entrepreneurship, innovation, gender equality, and leadership,” she said. “Youth Connekt serves as a critical platform for networking and mentorship and is designed to enable young Gambians to access opportunities, resources, and key stakeholders."
Ms Wakana also pointed out: “But what sets Youth Connekt apart is its commitment to going beyond the rhetoric of youth development.
“We are here to strategize and to act for a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Gambia.
“Young Gambians are not passive beneficiaries, they are active contributors to nation-building."
Meanwhile, Youth Connekt-The Gambia is set to create 100,000 job opportunities for young people in the country.
