The Gambia Hosts Maiden West African Youth Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

Group Photo of Delegates © OIC Conference Center Photographer

By Sirra Chorr

The Gambia hosted the inaugural West African Youth Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo from 6th to 7th December 2024.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Seedy Njie, emphasized the conference's significance as a call to action and a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the region and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

With the theme “Building Back Better: The Role of Youth in Disaster Mitigation Across West Africa,” the event highlighted the critical role of young people in shaping a resilient future.

Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie © OIC Conference Center Photographer

Africa Chief for the United Nations Office on Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Amjad Abasher, shared alarming statistics, revealing that floods have affected more than four million people in West and Central Africa. He highlighted that the region is lagging behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with youth often excluded from decision-making processes.

Disaster Management and Migration Specialist at The Gambia’s National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Mbassi Sanneh, stressed the importance of early warning systems to save lives and protect property. She noted ongoing collaboration with the Department of Water Resources, which provides weather forecasts critical to disaster preparedness.

Modou Lamin Age-Almusaf Sowe © OIC Conference Center Photographer

In his closing remarks, a board member on Disaster Risk Reduction under the African Union Commission, Modou Lamin Age-Almusaf Sowe, called for greater commitment to youth engagement in disaster risk governance. He highlighted the conference’s discussions on recent disasters affecting countries including Senegal, The Gambia, Mali, Guinea, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Zambia, and Niger. Sowe emphasized the need for robust frameworks for disaster risk governance, urging the prioritization of disaster risk reduction in national budgets and development plans.

He assured participants that actionable policies and initiatives arising from the conference would be shared at the Second Regional Youth Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, fostering continued dialogue with the African Union.

This landmark event underscores the urgency of collective efforts to address the challenges posed by disasters across West Africa, with youth at the forefront of innovative solutions.

Delegates at the Conference © OIC Conference Center Photographer