Government officials, development partners, youth leaders and civil society representatives have called for increased investment in young people to enable them to realise their hopes and aspirations and contribute meaningfully to The Gambia’s development.

The call was made during the national commemoration of World Population Day 2026, held under the theme: “Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People – Today and for the Future.”

In his opening remarks, Musa Mbye, Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Vice President, said the commemoration provided an opportunity for nations to reflect on changing population dynamics and reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that every individual lives with dignity, health, opportunity and hope.

He said people remain the greatest wealth of any nation, noting that a country’s prosperity depends on the health, education, skills, creativity and productivity of its citizens.

“This year’s theme reminds us that young people are at the heart of our development journey,” he said, stressing that their hopes, talents and aspirations represent the future of the country.

Mbye said The Gambia’s predominantly youthful population presents a significant demographic opportunity but warned that the potential would not automatically translate into development without deliberate investments.

He called for greater investment in education, healthcare, skills development, social protection, decent employment and meaningful economic opportunities.

The Permanent Secretary said the government was promoting youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, climate resilience and safe migration while expanding opportunities in sectors including agriculture, fisheries, information and communication technology, renewable energy and manufacturing.

He, however, stressed that the government alone could not address the challenges facing young people and called on the private sector to increase investment through job creation, internships, apprenticeships, mentorship and access to business opportunities.

In her welcome remarks, Mariama Fanneh, Director General of the National Population Commission, said the main challenge was to create conditions that enable young people not only to dream but also to achieve their aspirations.

She said young people should be recognised as active partners and leaders in national development rather than merely beneficiaries of development programmes.

Fanneh noted that The Gambia’s youthful population could generate a demographic dividend, but cautioned that this would require sound policies and sustained investment.

She highlighted the need to invest in quality education, healthcare, employment, skills development, innovation and decent work.

The Director General also raised concerns about challenges affecting adolescents and young people, including inadequate access to accurate information, youth-friendly health services, family planning and counselling.

She called for stronger measures to prevent teenage pregnancy and child marriage, promote life-skills education, protect young people and support girls to remain in school.

On migration, Fanneh said safe, orderly and regular migration could create opportunities through education, skills, trade and investment, but warned that irregular migration exposes young people to exploitation, trafficking, violence, injury and death.

She also emphasised technical and vocational education, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and youth participation in governance and national development.

A major highlight of the commemoration was a panel discussion involving representatives from the National Youth Council, the National Health Insurance Authority, Peace Hub and the National Youth Service Scheme.

The discussion focused on education, skills development, employment, health, youth participation, peacebuilding and economic opportunities.

Mrs. Satang Dumbuya, Chairperson of the National Youth Council, challenged negative perceptions about young people, saying Gambian youth possess ambition, creativity and potential but need opportunities and support to transform their ideas into meaningful achievements.

She stressed that education should respond to changing realities and provide young people with practical, technical and digital skills.

Dumbuya also called for meaningful youth participation in policymaking, arguing that young people should be involved from the beginning of decision-making processes rather than being consulted after major decisions have already been made.

She further stressed the importance of disability inclusion, noting that development programmes and youth facilities cannot be considered fully inclusive if young persons with disabilities are unable to access them.

The discussion also highlighted concerns relating to reproductive health, teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, mental health and young people’s access to confidential and respectful healthcare services.

Panellists called for genuinely youth-friendly health services and better access to reliable information, particularly at a time when social media and artificial intelligence are increasingly exposing young people to misinformation.

Representatives also emphasised the connection between youth opportunities, hope and peace, calling for policies and programmes to be translated into practical employment, entrepreneurship and participation opportunities.

Statements were also delivered by Madam Joy Michael, Programme Specialist representing the UNFPA Country Representative, and a representative of the United Nations Development Programme.

A short drama episode on the value of education, and saying no to domestic violence was staged.

In his closing remarks, His Worship Muhammed Krubally, Chairman of the Gambia Federation of the Disabled and the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities, as well as a Board Member of the National Population Commission, called for a strong multi-stakeholder approach to implementing the recommendations emerging from the commemoration.

He expressed appreciation for the contributions and ideas shared during the event and stressed that government, development partners, civil society, the private sector, communities and young people must work together towards achieving common objectives.

The commemoration concluded with a renewed call for sustained investment in young people and meaningful partnerships to ensure that every young Gambian has the opportunity to access education, healthcare, relevant skills, decent work and a meaningful role in shaping the country’s future.

By Madi S. Njie