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Message from the Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC)

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) joins regional institutions in paying tribute to the tireless efforts made towards regional integration, peace and sustainable development within our Community. This 50th anniversary marks a historic milestone and presents a major opportunity to highlight the key actions undertaken in support of West African youth. Youth at the heart of regional development Recognising the crucial role of young people in building resilient, inclusive and prosperous societies, ECOWAS, through the EYSDC, has implemented several transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening young people’s capacities, promoting their employability and supporting their empowerment. Key projects include: - Training sessions in integrated agriculture (agrosilvopastoral) at the Songhai Centre in Porto-Novo (2007–2018), aimed at promoting sustainable and innovative agriculture. - Training for young people in building electrical installations at the Soufouroulaye Centre in Mali (2008–2011), contributing to the professionalisation and integration of young people into the energy sector. - Training courses in air conditioning, refrigeration and automotive mechanics at the Ziniaré Reference Training Centre in Burkina Faso (2012–2018). - The launch of the crowdfunding platform, which laid the foundations for the future creation of alternative sources of funding for young entrepreneurs in the region. - Collaboration with China, within the framework of the World Youth Development Forum (WYDF), which contributes to the promotion of entrepreneurship and leadership amongst West African youth through support and China–ECOWAS youth partnership projects. Support for youth partners The EYSDC has also provided strategic support to youth organisations and partners whose missions align with those of ECOWAS. This partnership strengthens the impact of actions carried out on the ground and fosters regional synergy on youth issues. Policy frameworks to guide action With the aim of structuring interventions in support of youth and sport, several strategic documents have been adopted under the auspices of ECOWAS, including: - The ECOWAS Youth Policy and its Strategic Action Plan (currently being updated); - The ECOWAS Sports Policy and its Action Plan 2010–2020 (currently being reviewed and updated); - The Action Plan for Youth Employment (2018–2022); - The Management Manual and Terms of Service for the ECOWAS Volunteers Programme (ECOWAS VP), which has been in operation since 2010; - Draft strategic policy document for the ECOWAS Volunteers Programme. Sport: a catalyst for unity and personal fulfilment The EYSDC has revitalised the sport sector through the regular organisation of major Community competitions, notably: - The ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC); - The ECOWAS International Marathon in Abuja; - The ECOWAS International Cycle Tour; - The ECOWAS Games. These events have fostered regional integration, the promotion of talent and cohesion amongst young people in the Member States. Volunteering for the community The ECOWAS Volunteer Programme (ECOWASVP) embodies young people’s commitment to building peaceful and integrated societies. It engages young people in the areas of peacebuilding, conflict management, democracy and sustainable development. This programme is a cornerstone of the regional strategy for youth civic engagement. A new impetus for the future This 50th anniversary comes at a time when the EYSDC is actively preparing for the Regional Youth Conference, with a view to defining a new regional youth policy tailored to contemporary challenges and the aspirations of younger generations. This new strategic direction will aim to further strengthen young people’s involvement in the process of integration and transformation in the West African region. The Centre for Youth and Sports Development reaffirms its unwavering commitment to young people as agents of change, pillars of sustainable development and drivers of regional integration. Together with young people, Member States, technical and financial partners, and civil society, we must redouble our efforts to build a united, inclusive and prosperous West Africa. May this 50th anniversary rekindle in each of us the determination to act collectively for a community based on solidarity, where every young person finds their place, realises their potential and contributes fully to the development of our region.