The Speaker of the National Youth Parliament (NYP), Hon. Omar Cham, has challenged the Youth Ministry to keep alive the spirit of youth involvement in governance.
The NYP marked it’s 20th anniversary on 29th August, 2022 at the National Assembly where Cham called on the ministry of youths and other stakeholders to maintain the idea of youth involvement in governance.
“We call on the Government of the Gambia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports through the National Youth Council, partners and donor agencies, to not let the new spirit of youth involvement in governance die,” he said.
He said that the said important institutions should nurture, support and guide the Youth Parliament to strengthen its capacities and operations in the quest to provide the best of leadership among young people.
Cham also said it was important to critically assess the status quo of young people and as well the laws, policies and initiatives governing young people.
Unlike the National Assembly, the NYP maintains a gendered approach to representation and ensures the participation of persons with disabilities.
Aissata De, the UNDP Resident Representative, said the NYP is strategically placed to facilitate youth involvement in politics as well as tackling issues such as drug abuse, migration, climate change, education, health, and the consolidation of democratic governance.
“With increasing demand for civic engagement, accountability, and transparency all overt he world, this Youth Parliament provides a strategic opportunity to enhance participation of young Gambians in political discourse,” she said.
She said it is important that the NYP Members inculcate the habits of discipline and tolerance for the views of others.
“Within the legislative environment, and in the age of social media, the need to always act with decorum cannot be overemphasized,” the UNDP Rep. said.
“In young democracies like The Gambia, young people play a critical role in shaping the politics and future of their country. The Youth Parliament allows Gambian youth to learn about, whilst also engaging with their local representatives and the entire political system.”
She said placing youth at the center of decision-making is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, gender equity, and social justice.
