Statement by UN Resident Coordinator During the Opening of The National Youth Consultation on the Summit of The Future

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports 

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs 

The Honourable Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare

The Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service

Permanent Secretaries Present,

UN Colleagues

Vibrant Youth Representatives from across The Gambia

Good morning to you all.

We stand at a pivotal moment in history. The choices we make today will shape the world of tomorrow. That is why I am thrilled to welcome you to this groundbreaking National Youth Consultation on the Summit of the Future.

For two days, over 200 young voices from every corner of The Gambia will craft a vision for our shared future. Your ideas, your energy, and your commitment are not just welcome – they are essential.

The challenges we face are complex and interconnected. They demand bold, innovative solutions. And who better to devise these solutions than the generation that will inherit their consequences?

Over these two days, we will delve into five critical areas that will define our future:

First, Innovation and Climate Change. Our planet is at a tipping point. We need your ingenuity to drive sustainable solutions and build resilience in the face of this existential threat.

Second, Gender Equity to Empower Girls and Young Women. True progress is impossible without equality. Your insights will help break down barriers and create a more just society for all.

Third, Bridging the Digital Divide. In our increasingly connected world, access to technology is access to opportunity. We must ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.

Fourth, Global Governance, Human Rights, and Political Processes. Your generation has the power to reshape how we make decisions, protect rights, and engage in democracy. We need your fresh perspectives on these fundamental issues.

Finally, Empowerment through Employment, Education, and Wellbeing. These are the building blocks of a prosperous future. Your experiences and aspirations will guide us in creating opportunities for all young people to thrive.

But this consultation is more than just talk. It is a launchpad for action. The priorities you set here will echo in the halls of the United Nations in New York. The commitments you make will shape national policies and global agendas.

To the young people gathered here: This is your moment. Seize it. Challenge us. Show us the path to a more just, sustainable, and inclusive future. Your voices will not just be heard – they will be amplified on the world stage.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Listen closely. The future is speaking. Let us work together to turn these young voices into concrete policies and programs. The insights gained here should inform our national development strategies and international commitments.

The Gambia has the potential to lead by example, showing the world the power of meaningful youth engagement. Let us make these two days a turning point – not just for our nation, but for the very idea of how we shape our collective future.

Remember, the outcomes of this consultation will not stay within these walls. They will travel to New York, where young Gambian representatives will present your collective vision at the Summit of the Future. Your ideas will contribute to the global Pact for the Future, influencing how the world addresses its most pressing challenges.

We are not just discussing the future – we are actively shaping it. Each of you has a crucial role to play in this process. Your diverse perspectives, your innovative ideas, and your unwavering commitment to positive change are the keys to unlocking a better future for all.

The summit of tomorrow begins with the youth of today. Let us begin this important work with open minds, passionate hearts, and a shared commitment to building a future that works for everyone. Together, we can turn the challenges of today into the opportunities of tomorrow.

Thank you, and I look forward to the inspiring discussions and concrete actions that will emerge from this landmark consultation.