By Ousman Saidykhan
The United Nations Population Fund is holding a two-day Strategic Dialogue with Young Parliamentarians as part of a global effort to advance structured engagements with lawmakers, as outlined in the UN Secretary General’s “Our Common Agenda and the Pact for the Future.”
According to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), ‘our Common Agenda,’ also called the Agenda of Action, is designed to strengthen and accelerate multilateral agreements—particularly the 2030 Agenda—and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Aljazeera reported that the Pact for the Future is a “landmark declaration,” as described by the Assembly, that pledges action towards an improved world for tomorrow’s generations.
The dialogue will involve participants exchanging ideas and experiences and aims to empower young legislators to build a more responsive and resilient political landscape.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Karl Frèdèrick Paul, said the youth’s voices, passion, convictions, energy, and forward ideas and experiences are indispensable catalysts for achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal by 2030.
“Without your active engagement, dynamic leadership, and unwavering commitment, our aspiration for a just, equitable, and prosperous world will remain incomplete,” said Mr. Paul.
According to him, the UN is committed to dismantling barriers hindering youth participation in decision-making and integrating the perspectives of the youth into the policies and programs that shape their lives and the lives of the communities they serve.
The UNFPA representative, Ms. Ndeye Rose Sarr, said the dialogue is a way of showing the world that continents are interconnected when it comes to youth, peace, and security, mentioning that The Gambia is one of the countries that have done a lot in implementing the UN’s youth agenda.
“For me, as young parliamentarians, as we say, you have the power to change a lot of things,” said Rose Sarr, while emphasizing that the UN is part of youth, peace, and security, making references to the body’s presence in Yemen, Sudan, and Palestine.
“The work of young parliamentarians is not only advocating for policies, is about creating a political landscape that is more responsive, inclusive and just,” said Seedy S.K. Njie, the deputy speaker of The Gambia’s Parliament.
“It is about dismantling the system that perpetuates inequality and ensuring that every young person, irrespective of their background, has the opportunity to participate fully in the political process,” he added.
The deputy speaker of the Gambia’s Parliament said youth participation in governance has become more critical, and it is “increasingly vital” that today’s youth are not just passive but active observers of the world around them, catalysts for change and innovation, and leaders.
For him, youth participation in politics, especially as parliamentarians, is necessary and urgent.
“The youth are not only the future leaders, but they are indeed the leaders of today. Their voices, their perspectives, and their solutions must be heard in the decision-making rules of the governments,” Njie said.
Surveys have indicated that youth participation in political processes is low compared to the percentage they constitute in their communities.
According to International IDEA, young people’s enthusiasm and innovation could be an important change driver, mainly channeled through participatory methods that combine their passion with the experience of older political players and decision-makers.
