Speech
RC Talking Points AYAG Launch
15 February 2025
RC STATEMENT
- Congratulate the first members of the board for being selected out of hundreds of applicants.
- Highlight The Gambia stands at a crucial moment with nearly 50% of our population under 30 years old, and adolescents making up 23.8% of our society - your voices and participation are more important than ever as we look toward a population of 3.2 million by 2030.
- This advisory group represents a groundbreaking partnership between the UN and Gambian youth, bringing together 20 diverse young leaders aged 10-35 to shape our nation's future.
- AYAG embodies our commitment to meaningful youth participation, moving beyond tokenism to ensure young people have a real seat at the decision-making table.
- Through AYAG, we're establishing a direct channel for youth input on critical policies, programs, and strategies affecting young Gambians.
- This platform will ensure UN programs directly address youth challenges and opportunities, from employment and education to climate change and beyond.
- You will hold us accountable for our youth development commitments, ensuring we deliver real results for young Gambians.
- The UN Country Team is fully committed to supporting AYAG through funding, training, and capacity building.
- We will provide comprehensive training in advocacy, media engagement, and policy-making to empower your effective participation.
- AYAG members will have direct access to UN senior leadership and regular engagement opportunities with various UN agencies.
- Together, we aim to create a more inclusive, responsive, and effective UN presence in The Gambia that truly serves young people's needs and aspirations.
- Through your diverse perspectives and leadership, we will strengthen youth participation in national development and decision-making processes.
- This inauguration marks the beginning of a transformative partnership between the UN and Gambian youth.
- As inaugural AYAG members, you carry the hopes and aspirations of your generation.
- Your commitment to attending meetings, providing honest feedback, and actively engaging in UN initiatives will set the foundation for AYAG's success.
- Together, we can create meaningful change and build a brighter future for all young Gambians.
Speech by
Goals we are supporting through this initiative
UN entities involved in this initiative
FAO
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
ITC
International Trade Centre
UNAIDS
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
UNFPA
United Nations Population Fund
UNICEF
United Nations Children’s Fund
WFP
World Food Programme
WHO
World Health Organization