ECOWAS experts are finalising the consolidation of regional policies on youth, sport and volunteering
The proceedings of the regional expert workshop on the consolidation, validation and adoption of regional policies on youth, Sports and Volunteering, concluded in Dakar following three days of intensive technical discussions and consultation between representatives of Member States, Community institutions and development partners.
Organised by the ECOWAS Commission’s Centre for Youth and Sports Development (CDJS), this workshop marked a decisive step in the process of modernising the regional strategic frameworks designed to promote the development of youth, sport and volunteering in West Africa.
During the various sessions, the experts conducted an in-depth review of the draft Regional Youth Policy, the draft Regional Sports Policy and the Strategic Document for the ECOWAS Volunteers Programme, as well as their respective action plans. The discussions, held in language groups and then in plenary sessions, enabled the contributions of Member States to be incorporated, proposals to be harmonised, and a consensus to be reached on the main strategic directions.
The participants made several recommendations aimed, in particular, at strengthening governance mechanisms, improving policy monitoring and evaluation, promoting better coordination between Member States and Community institutions, and ensuring the sustainable mobilisation of the resources needed to implement regional programmes. Particular attention was also paid to the inclusion of young people, women and people with disabilities, as well as to addressing issues relating to the digital transformation, youth employment, peace and social cohesion.
The experts also recommended the establishment of a biennial meeting to review regional policies on youth, sport and volunteering. This platform will enable regular assessment of progress made, the sharing of best practice and the adaptation of policies to the new challenges facing the region.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, the consolidated versions of the various documents were approved by the experts for submission to the ministers responsible for Youth and Sport in ECOWAS Member States for review and endorsement.
At the closing ceremony, officials from the ECOWAS Commission commended the commitment and professionalism of the national delegations, whose contributions had led to the production of consensus-based, ambitious documents tailored to the realities of the region. They expressed their gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Senegal for its hospitality and the excellent working conditions provided for the participants.
The conclusion of this workshop marks a decisive step in the process of strengthening Community policies in support of youth, sport and volunteering. The finalised documents will now serve as a reference to guide the actions of Member States and partners in implementing the ECOWAS Vision 2050, which places human capital, civic engagement and regional integration at the heart of West Africa’s sustainable development.