The Dakar 2026 Summit on Sport and Sustainable Development recently opened at the King Fahd Palace, on the sidelines of the Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event ever hosted on African soil. President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye of Senegal addressed the summit, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to overcome obstacles to inclusive development. He pointed to several challenges, including wars, terrorism, and attacks on multilateralism.
President Faye stressed that reform of the global system is possible with political will and called for the observance of the Olympic Truce in the spirit of peace, solidarity, and dialogue between peoples. He noted that Senegal's resolution on the Olympic Truce for Dakar 2026 was recently adopted by the Executive Board of UNESCO. This resolution aims to promote peace and unity through sports.
The Senegalese President highlighted the importance of lasting peace in creating conditions for sustainable investment in the sports ecosystem. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive sports policy that covers school, university, amateur, and elite competition, training, and infrastructure financing. This policy aims to promote youth development and employability through sports.
The Gambia was represented at the summit by Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow, who attended on behalf of President Adama Barrow. The Gambian delegation also included the Gambian High Commissioner to Senegal and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad. The Gambia's presence at the summit reflects its commitment to regional cooperation and peace.
Other speakers at the summit included Senegal's Minister of Youth and Sports, Djiréye Clotilde Coly, and Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group). They emphasized the importance of sports in promoting sustainable development and creating opportunities for young people. Minister Coly noted that true victory is measured not only by medals but by the lasting impact of sports on communities.
Makhtar Diop highlighted Africa's growing role in hosting world-class events that create value at home. He noted that Africa is no longer only exporting its talent but is now hosting events that promote economic development and youth empowerment. The summit provided a platform for African countries to share their experiences and strategies for promoting sustainable development through sports.
The Dakar 2026 Summit on Sport and Sustainable Development provided a timely platform for leaders to discuss the role of sports in promoting peace, unity, and sustainable development. The summit's focus on creating a lasting legacy through sports aligns with the goals of the Youth Olympic Games, which aim to promote youth development and employability through sports. The event brought together leaders from various countries to share their experiences and strategies for promoting sustainable development through sports.
Key points
- President Faye calls for global cooperation to overcome obstacles to inclusive development.
- The Gambia attends the summit, reflecting its commitment to regional cooperation and peace.
- The summit highlights the importance of sports in promoting sustainable development and creating opportunities for young people.
