The 3rd edition of the AES Volunteer Summer University kicked off on September 28, 2026, in Niamey, Niger, under the theme "Volunteerism, a force for the construction of AES states." The event, set to run until September 30, 2026, brings together approximately 300 participants from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The ceremony was officially opened by General Salifou Modi, Minister of State for National Defense, representing the Minister of State for Interior, Public Security, and Territorial Administration.
In his opening speech, General Salifou Modi emphasized that the chosen theme reflects the expectations of the authorities of the three countries towards the youth, who are called upon to fully engage in the face of the challenges confronting the confederal space. He highlighted that volunteerism is not a charity work or a simple expedient against youth unemployment but rather an instrument in the service of public action. According to him, volunteerism contributes to strengthening the state's presence in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, local administration, and civil status.
General Salifou Modi also underscored the role of volunteerism in the fight against terrorism, stating that it is a means of mobilizing young people and offering them perspectives of engagement in the service of their communities. He noted that a young person formed, occupied, and useful to their community is a young person that the enemy can hardly reach. The Minister of State added that youth engagement contributes to both the development and security of the AES states.
The Nigerien Minister of State recalled that the Nigerien Agency for Voluntary Development (ANVD) deploys national development volunteers in the eight regions of the country, similar to the devices put in place in Mali and Burkina Faso. He also highlighted the contribution of volunteers to the recovery of areas affected by crises, the accompaniment of displaced populations, and the restoration of basic social services, qualifying them as true actors of state resilience.
General Salifou Modi called for the rapprochement of national volunteerism devices in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, with a view to establishing a confederal mechanism. He indicated that this 3rd edition will be marked by panels, reflection workshops, practical training, experience exchanges, and field activities aimed at valuing the role of volunteers in building more just and solidarity-based societies.
Mahamadou Zan, head of the Burkinabè delegation, speaking on behalf of the Burkinabè Minister of Sports, Youth, and Employment, transmitted his minister's thanks and congratulations to the Nigerien authorities for the warm welcome extended to the Burkinabè delegation. The 3rd edition of the AES Volunteer Summer University will provide a platform for participants to share experiences and best practices in volunteerism and its contribution to regional development.
The event is expected to strengthen the collaboration and coordination among the three countries in the AES, particularly in the area of volunteerism. It aims to promote a culture of volunteerism and community service among young people, while also exploring ways to enhance the impact of volunteer programs in the region.
Key points
- The 3rd AES Volunteer Summer University brings together 300 participants from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to discuss volunteerism and its role in regional development.
- General Salifou Modi emphasizes that volunteerism is not a charity work but an instrument in the service of public action.
- The event aims to promote a culture of volunteerism and community service among young people in the AES states.
