By Amadou M Jadama
The NAYCONF flag tour has kicked off on Tuesday to seek the blessing, prayers and support of all stakeholders to ensure a successful youth convergence.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at his office in Kanifing Pa Suwareh Faye, Chairman Marketing Committee for NAYCONF 2017, said the stakeholders they have already met have expressed their readiness to contribute immensely to this year’s event in making it a success.
According to him the response from stakeholders are very positive, adding that the Chinese Embassy is the first to call and assure their support.
The flag tour is also expected to reach the President’s or Vice President’s office.
He appealed to all stakeholders to support the event meant for young people who form the greater percentage of our population.
Mr Faye expressed optimism in staging a very successful NAYCONF this year.
NAYCONF is a biennial event, which is meant to bring young people from all over the country and beyond to share their experience and dilate on issues that affect their lives.
This year’s event will be held from 15th to 22nd December 2017 in Basse, Upper River Region under the theme “New Gambia: Challenges and Opportunities for youth.”
The objectives of this year’s NAYCONF are to create a platform for youth voice, active participation and positive socialisation among young people to discuss issues affecting them and map out a common road map and actionable programmes in addressing them.
It will also seek to showcase the talents of young people in various sporting and cultural events to serve as a springboard to a career in the discipline of their choice; create the necessary awareness on the dangers of youth migration and opportunities available for young people in the country.
It will also be a platform to enhance the understanding of young people on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Africa Agenda 2063.
According to Faye, the expected outcomes are to produce and validate the Gambia Programme of Action for Youth (GPAY) 2018-2019; Untapped talents and skills of young people in sports, culture and creative industry are exposed and recognized; Awareness on the dangers of youth irregular migration, its impact and links to opportunities available for young people in the country increased; and Understanding of UN Sustainable Development Goals and Africa Agenda 2063 and linkages with National development plans among young people to improve he concluded.”
