By: Kemo Kanyi
The United Nations has over the weekend launched the Adolescent and Youth Advisory Group (AYAG) in the Gambia. The body is expected to provide input on policies, programs, and strategies affecting youth, ensure UN programs address youth challenges and opportunities, and hold the UN accountable for youth development commitments.
The initiative is geared towards enhancing youth and adolescent participation in decision-making processes, ensuring that the voices of the young people are integrated into the planning, implementation, and monitoring of UN programs and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Gambia 2024-2028.
The group will also advice the UN on topics such as employment, education, training and entrepreneurship, environment and climate change, human rights and democracy, peace and security, digitalization and technology, gender social inclusion, and health.
Karl-Frederick Paul, the UN Resident Coordinator in The Gambia said the representation of youth in decision-making tables is important for the United Nations to seek solutions to address challenges faced by youth in The Gambia and to outline opportunities for the young people of the country.
“The launching of the body aims to create more inclusive representation, diversify opinions, and demonstrate creativity for the advancement of the Gambian youth,” he stated during the launch ceremony held at the UN House in Bakau Cape Point.
Dr. Mariam John, Director of the Coordination Unit at the Department of Strategic Policy Delivery at the Office of the President of the Gambia, outlined that the participation of the youth is a demonstration of dynamism, skills, and creativity to strengthen government’s ability to find solutions for its citizens, especially the young people.
“Governance and development are not for politicians and policymakers alone. We need your participation; this will drive the country’s transformation journey. You are not just part of our development plans, but you are the foundation it stems from,” Madam John highlighted as she encouraged AYAG membership participation.
Representative of the group (AYAG), Fatima Gomez, encouraged the membership to work towards full representation of the young voices of the country, not just as a symbol but as change agents.
