By Sulayman Waan
The National Youth Council (NYC) in collaboration with the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) over the weekend organized a National Youth Dialogue on the current reform process; held at Abuja House Kanifing, KMC.
The forum aimed at converging youth and duty bearers to discuss on the current reform process such as the Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission, Constitutional Review Commission, Human Right Commission and National Security Sector Reform to ensure safe secure future for the nation.
This conference also it enables the commissions to listen to the youth’s feedback and come with recommendations.
In his opening statement, Hadramme Sidibeh, Minister of Youth and Sport said the dialogue means to mobilize feedback from people, especially youth on the various reform mechanisms and development issues in the Gambia for necessary improvement.
“The forum increase necessary people’s understanding, participatory and ownership of the reform process. This activity is design from the youth connekt- Gambia priority area of civil leadership and participation.
“It would provide youth with the needed capacity and information to enhance their full participation in the reform process,” he said.
He added that the forum also provide a platform for institution leading the various reform processes and national development initiatives to engage and directly interact with youth across the country on reform progress, challenges and opportunities and further receive feedback and recommendation for improvement.
“This will ensure that the platform processes and national development initiatives are accountable and inclusive by taking it account to the views and aspiration of the young from different background orientation and belief,” Sidibeh said.
He expressed gratitude to NYC, UNDP and other partners for implementing the programme.
Becky Adda, UNDP Peace and Development Adviser in the Gambia said the UN agency is very please to support such vital initiative while described the activity as historic as Gambian youth are always involved on current developmental issues.
“We (UN) are challenging you to continue engage in dialogues to ask question but do that constructively. None violence communication and using none violence platforms is the way to go,” she said while called on youth to reflect on their responsibilities and duty for the state.
Ms Nyimansata Ceesay, NYC female rep said: “We are discussing one of the most important components of our transitional justice process; these are the reforms TRRC, CRC, NSSR and the NHRC. These are reforms and of great determinants of the past.
She said the reforms are important to all Gambians particularly the youth; adding not owing to the youth constitute the largest the population but considering that 2016 presidential election the young plays a key role in the democratic changes.
“Youth should be recognized as one of the most critical constituent in the entire development of the country and must put the first in all undertaken of the country not because of our democratic advantage but also in final opportunities that comes with the meaningful and strategic youth engagement,” he said.
