By: Fatou Krubally
The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), in partnership with the United Nations Peace Building Fund (UNPBF) and other organizations, on Wednesday organized a dialogue on the participation of youth in political processes and governance, focusing on transitional justice and the promotion of youth rights.
The event, held at Bakadaji Hotel, aimed to empower Gambian youth, promote reconciliation, and foster peace-building.
The dialogue brought together youths from different sectors, including persons with disabilities, to engage in crucial conversations about the future of their nation.
Rose Lawal, the program associate, spoke passionately about the critical role of youth in shaping the future for justice and reconciliation. “Young people are the voices of change and must be actively involved in shaping the future of our nation,” she stated.
Lawal emphasized the importance of youth-led initiatives in promoting peace and accountability.
Madam Golda Ken, representing the UNPBF, highlighted the transformative impact of youth-led programs.
“The energy and innovation that young people bring to peace-building are essential for creating sustainable change,” she emphasized, urging the youth to continue advocating for greater accountability and transparency in governance.
Speaking on behalf the minister of gender, the Director of Policy Development and Strategic Planning, Ida Jatta, stressed the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for youth. “Youth participation is not just symbolic; it is fundamental for building a more inclusive society,” she stated.
Jatta called for substantive engagement of young people in decision-making processes to ensure their voices are heard.
Speaking on behalf of the KMC mayor, youth councillor at the KMC Kemo Bojang re-echoed the sentiments of the speakers, emphasizing, “Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today.”
He urged young people to take an active role in shaping governance processes and promoting peace in The Gambia.
The dialogue, organized by ICTJ and its partners, served as an extremely vital platform for empowering youth, promoting reconciliation, and fostering peace-building in The Gambia. The messages shared by the speakers resonated with the attendees, inspiring them to take an active role in shaping the future of their nation. As youth continue to drive change and advocate for a more just and inclusive society, the dialogue served as a crucial step forward in realizing a better future for The Gambia
