The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Badjie, recently represented The Gambia at the 2024 UN ECOSOC Youth Forum.
He was joined by Permanent Secretary, Ms. Ndey Marie Njie; Mr. Alagie Jarju, Executive Director, National Youth Council; and Hon. Sainey Jawara, member for Lower Saloum, amongst other delegates.
In his address to the forum, Minister Badjie emphasied the Government of the Gambia’s commitment to investing in the growth and development of young people. “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 amongst others”.
He made reference to the theme of the forum, calling it timely and apt considering the current realities of today’s world and how they impact the possibilities for growth and development in the least developed countries.
Hon. Badjie went on to discuss the development of The Gambia’s Country Programme of Action for Youth with support from UNFPA, which was aligned with the National Youth Policy and the National Development Plan 2023–2027.
He informed that the UNDP, along with 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 took place from April 16th to 18th at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the theme “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions”. The focus is on poverty eradication (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), climate action (SDG 13), peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).
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.
