By Assan Bah
‘Peace Network’ – The Gambia has recently participated in the ECOWAS Youth Forum 2024 organized by the ECOWAS Commission on the theme: “Youths Digital Innovation for Inclusivity Regional Economic Growth, Peace and Stability,” in Accra, Ghana from the 5th and 6th of June, 2024.
The convergence, which brought together different Youth leaders across the ECOWAS Sub-region and the Peace Network, was represented by the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Alasana Justice Jallow, and the Executive Director Mr. Musa K. Ceesay.
After the summit, CEO, Mr. Alasana Justice Jallow, expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS Commission for the foresight in reconvening another summit and inviting Youths across the Region to participate in discussing issues pivotal to the development of the youths and the region in general.
He further said: “We appreciate the opportunity as a Peace Network to represent Youths of West Africa at this Summit. The Peace Network is a Youth Institution that remains dedicated to promoting peace, security, and development in The Gambia and the ECOWAS Region.”
“I have the conviction that West African Youths are innovative, inspirational, and doing remarkable works across the region and around the world,” he stated.
“The continuous involvement of the Youths in developmental activities will help a lot in promoting growth and ensuring peace and stability in the region. It is said in many gatherings that 63% of the population in West Africa are Youths below 24 Years old. Therefore, the voice of the youth matters in every endeavour geared towards promoting regional growth and development.”
The CEO added: “During the two-day summit, I was inspired by the wonderful contributions of the youths from different countries in West Africa. Their innovations and activities in their various countries are worth supporting. This is an indication that the Youths of West Africa once given the necessary support and empowerment, can bring the transformation that the region is yearning for. I do not doubt the ability and the competence of the Youths of West Africa.”
Mr. Jallow said: “Furthermore, it’s important to stress that the declaration from this Summit will be highly respected and the recommendations implemented. Equally, I believe ECOWAS will continue to engage the Youths and involve them in every activity that concerns the prosperity of the region. We are talking about the agenda 2050! This cannot be achieved without the meaningful involvement of the Youths in programs and activities that will ensure realization of the vision. Therefore, as we strive towards vision 2050, it is important to have young people in the Center Stage of decision making.”
CEO Jallow encouraged Youth across the ECOWAS region to be resilient and innovative and called on the youths who are into drugs and crimes to abstain from those things and come up with innovative solutions to support the development of the region.
