On September 29, 2026, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye addressed the installation ceremony of the Senegalese Youth Consultative Council, emphasizing the importance of youth participation in shaping the country's future. He encouraged the council members to provide precise, quantified, and actionable advice to inform the Senegal 2050 Agenda. The council, comprising representatives from various regions, will serve as a liaison between the government and the youth.
President Faye stressed that the council's role is crucial in ensuring that the voices of young people are heard. He urged them to work diligently, debate, and reach consensus on essential issues. The president assured that the government, led by the Prime Minister, would be open to their suggestions and ideas, particularly on matters related to vocational training, digital skills, and the future of young people.
The president identified three temptations that young people may face: believing that their actions have no impact, relying on technology to think for them, and engaging in dishonest behavior. He advised the council members to use technology as a tool, not a substitute for critical thinking, and to prioritize debate, contradiction, and truth over lies and insults.
President Faye also cautioned against imitation, encouraging young people to forge their own paths and develop their unique identities. He emphasized that the council's role is not only to advise but also to take responsibility for shaping the country's future. The president expressed his commitment to engaging with the council and considering their input.
The Senegal 2050 Agenda is a long-term development plan aimed at transforming the country. President Faye's call for youth participation reflects his administration's commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that the needs and aspirations of young people are addressed. The council's input is expected to play a significant role in shaping the agenda.
The installation of the Senegalese Youth Consultative Council marks a significant step in promoting youth engagement and participation in the country's development. President Faye's address emphasized the importance of collective responsibility and the need for young people to take an active role in shaping their future.
The president's emphasis on specific, measurable, and practical input from the youth reflects his administration's focus on evidence-based decision-making. The Senegal 2050 Agenda is expected to be informed by the council's recommendations, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of young people are integrated into the country's long-term development plan.
Key points
- President Faye urges youth to provide specific, measurable, and practical input to the Senegal 2050 Agenda.