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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 in support of regional integration, peace and sustainable development within our community. This fiftieth anniversary marks a historic turning point and presents a significant opportunity to highlight the key actions undertaken in support of West African youth. Youth at the heart of community development Recognising the crucial role of young people in building resilient, inclusive and prosperous societies, ECOWAS, through the EYSDC, has implemented several bold initiatives aimed at strengthening young people’s capacities, promoting their employability and supporting their empowerment. Flagship 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 electrical engineering at the Soufouroulaye Centre in Mali (2008–2011), contributing to the professionalisation and integration of young people into the energy sector.  Training sessions in air conditioning, refrigeration and car mechanics at the Reference Training Centre in Ziniaré, Burkina Faso (2012–2018).  The launch of a 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 reinforces the impact of actions carried out on the ground and promotes regional synergy around youth issues. Policy frameworks to guide action In order to structure interventions in favour of youth and sport, several strategic documents have been adopted under the aegis of ECOWAS, including: 1. The ECOWAS Youth Policy and Strategic Action Plan (currently being updated); 2. The ECOWAS Sport Policy and its Action Plan 2010–2020 (currently under review and being updated); 3. The Youth Employment Action Plan (2018–2022); 4. The ECOWAS Volunteers Programme (EVP) Management and Administrative Procedures Manual and Conditions of Service, in place since 2010. 5. Draft strategic policy document for the ECOWAS Volunteers Programme Sport, a lever for unity and fulfilment The EYSDC has revitalised the sports sector through the regular organisation of major community competitions, including: 6. The ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC); 7. The ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon; 8. The ECOWAS International Cycling Tour; 9. The ECOWAS Games. These events have fostered regional integration, talent development and cohesion amongst young people in the Member States. Volunteering in the service of the community The ECOWAS Volunteers Programme (EVP) 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 pillar of the regional strategy for youth civic engagement. A new dynamic for the future This fiftieth 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 adapted to contemporary challenges and the aspirations of younger generations. This new strategic direction will aim to further strengthen the involvement of young people in the process of integration and transformation of the West African region. The Youth and Sports Development Centre 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 fiftieth anniversary rekindle in each of us the determination to act collectively for a united community, where every young person finds their place, realises their potential and contributes fully to the development of our region.