International Youth Day was recently commemorated in Kombo East, The Gambia, with a focus on the critical role of young people in advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs). The Kombo East District Youth Committee, in partnership with Kombo East Youth Against Climate Change (KEYACC) and the Mandinaba Youth Committee, organized a tree planting exercise and community dialogue in Mandinaba Village to mark the occasion. This collaborative effort underscores the growing recognition of youth as vital agents of change in addressing pressing global challenges at the local level.
The commemoration commenced with a large-scale tree planting initiative along the streets of Mandinaba Village. This activity served as a practical demonstration of the community’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. Tree planting not only contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change through carbon sequestration but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the village and promotes a healthier environment for its residents. The involvement of young people in this exercise highlights their willingness to actively participate in creating a more sustainable future for their community.
Following the tree planting, a “Bantaba,” a traditional Gambian community dialogue, was held. This forum provided a platform for a series of inspiring speakers to address the theme: “Local Youth Action on the SDGs and Beyond.” The selection of this theme reflects a conscious effort to emphasize the crucial role that young people in Kombo East are playing in contributing to the achievement of the SDGs and in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.
The speakers at the Bantaba represented a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. Mr. Mustapha Sonko, a native of the district and employee of the National Youth Council, brought insights into the national youth development agenda and the opportunities available for young people to engage in national development initiatives. Mr. Lamin M.S. Jammeh, Board Chairperson of KEYCDA, shared his expertise on community development and the role of local organizations in empowering young people. Mr. Masanneh Bojang, the Alkali (village chief) of Tubakuta, provided a traditional leadership perspective on the importance of youth engagement in community affairs. Mr. Lamin Manjang, Co-founder of Kombo East Youth Against Climate Change and Climate Change Coordinator at KEYCDA, spoke on the urgency of climate action and the innovative ways in which young people are leading the charge in addressing this challenge. Finally, Hon. Salifu Darboe, the National Youth Parliamentarian for Kombo East, highlighted the importance of youth representation in national policy-making and the need for policies that support youth development.
The common thread that ran through all the speakers’ remarks was the emphasis on the critical role of young people in Kombo East in advancing the SDGs through grassroots initiatives, climate action, and community-led development. They highlighted numerous examples of how young people are taking the lead in addressing local challenges, from promoting sustainable agricultural practices to advocating for environmental conservation to fostering social inclusion. These initiatives demonstrate the potential of young people to be catalysts for positive change in their communities and beyond.
The International Youth Day commemoration in Kombo East serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in young people and empowering them to become active participants in shaping their own futures and the future of their communities. By providing them with the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities, we can unlock their full potential and harness their energy and creativity to address the pressing challenges facing our world today. The event also underscores the importance of collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and young people themselves in creating an enabling environment for youth development and sustainable development. The example of Kombo East can serve as a model for other communities in The Gambia and beyond, demonstrating the transformative power of youth engagement in achieving the SDGs and building a more just and sustainable world for all.