On November 2, 2026, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani attended the summit on sport and sustainable development in Dakar, Senegal. The event was held as part of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (JOJ DAKR 2026) and brought together several heads of state and international sports leaders. During his speech, President Ghazouani congratulated his counterpart, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and the Senegalese people on hosting this historic event for the African continent.

President Ghazouani expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality he received in Dakar. He emphasized that youth development is a central aspect of his political vision, stressing that investing in young people is essential for a nation's future. According to him, there is no better investment for a nation than the one it makes in the education and development of its young people.

The Mauritanian President highlighted that investing in youth goes beyond providing access to education. It also involves equipping them with quality knowledge, developing their skills, and unlocking their creative potential. This, he believes, enables young people to actively contribute to building their countries' futures. President Ghazouani added that investing in young people's knowledge and skills is a cornerstone of sustainable development.

President Ghazouani also mentioned that Mauritania has established a ministry specifically dedicated to empowering young people, known as the Ministry of Youth Empowerment. This department oversees several key areas, including education at various levels and cycles. The ministry plays a crucial role in Mauritania's efforts to prioritize youth development and empowerment.

The Mauritanian President's participation in the Dakar summit underscores his commitment to promoting sustainable development through sports and youth empowerment. His speech emphasized the importance of investing in young people and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed. President Ghazouani's vision for youth development aligns with the goals of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

The summit on sport and sustainable development in Dakar brought together leaders from across Africa to discuss the role of sports in promoting sustainable development. The event provided a platform for heads of state and sports leaders to share their experiences and strategies for harnessing the power of sports to drive positive change.

President Ghazouani's attendance at the summit demonstrates Mauritania's commitment to regional cooperation and collaboration on issues related to youth development and sustainable development. The event concluded with a renewed emphasis on the importance of investing in young people and promoting sustainable development through sports.

Key points

  • President Ghazouani emphasizes the importance of investing in youth development for sustainable development.
  • Mauritania has established a ministry dedicated to empowering young people.
  • The Dakar summit highlights the role of sports in promoting sustainable development in Africa.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.