By Lamarana S Jallow
The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Bakary Y. Badjie, has officially launched the National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF) 2024, a landmark event that is set to unite over 2000 young people from across the nation and beyond.
This biennial gathering organised by the National Youth Council (NYC) under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, under the theme: “Attaining the Recovery Focus – National Development Plan 2023 – 2027 for and with young people” will provide an essential platform for young people to engage in meaningful dialogue, share their experiences, and address the critical issues affecting their lives.
The gathering will feature a wide range of activities, including intergenerational dialogue, youth conferences, sports, cultural performances, academic competitions, awards, exhibitions, and creative arts.
In his launch statement, Minister Badjie emphasised the profound importance of NAYCONF 2024, describing it as a pivotal moment for the nation’s youth and “a movement aimed at evaluating and reinforcing the effectiveness of youth empowerment initiatives”.
He went on: “The event is an opportunity for the youth to voice out their concerns, ideas and to be at the forefront of shaping policies and programmes that directly impact their futures”.
Youth Minister Badjie reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting the event, recognising it as a historic opportunity to harness the potential of the youth for national development.
Minister Badjie also introduced the National Organising Committee (NOC), a dedicated team entrusted with ensuring the success of NAYCONF 2024. He stressed that the NOC’s role is crucial in curating a diverse array of activities, from speaker sessions to cultural performances, all designed to reflect the energy and aspirations of youth.
As outlined in the National Youth Policy 2018-2029 and the National Youth Council Act of 2000, this significant event will be hosted by the Kanifing Municipal Council from December 17th to 24th, 2024.
