On October 31, 2026, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasized the need for sustainable investment in sports to drive economic and social development in Africa. At the Summit on Sports and Sustainable Development in Dakar, Faye highlighted the importance of maximizing the impact of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). The event was attended by several heads of state and government, the President of the International Olympic Committee, and various foreign delegations.
President Faye stressed that the YOG should not only focus on competitions but also contribute to the growth of a sporting youth and the emergence of a sports economy that serves development. He underscored the significance of a comprehensive sports policy that encompasses school and university sports, amateur and high-level competitions, training, coaching, and infrastructure financing. According to Faye, this integrated approach can unlock talent, attract investment, and create a sports economy.
The Senegalese President highlighted the substantial investments made for the 2026 YOG, including the construction and renovation of high-level sports infrastructure. These facilities, he noted, should provide young people and communities with spaces for personal growth, strengthen social bonds, and promote social cohesion. Faye expressed his commitment to creating a lasting legacy from the games, with a focus on youth empowerment and significant investment in sports infrastructure and talent development.
President Faye also underscored the potential of the sports industry to generate employment and wealth. He assured that the government would mobilize national resources to preserve this legacy and monitor the implementation of the summit's conclusions. Furthermore, Faye discussed international development challenges, including conflicts, terrorism, human rights abuses, racism, and economic inequalities.
The President denounced manifestations of racism in sports and advocated for a more inclusive international system. He reaffirmed Senegal's commitment to the Olympic Truce, an initiative promoting peace, security, solidarity, and mutual understanding. The UNESCO Executive Council recently adopted a resolution calling for a truce during the 2026 YOG in Dakar.
This summit is a follow-up to the first Sports and Sustainable Development Summit held in Paris in 2024. The event aims to strengthen the connection between sports and other sectors of sustainable development in African countries. As Dakar prepares to host the opening ceremony of the 2026 YOG, President Faye called for the event to be a celebration of Olympic values and a foundation for a lasting legacy for future generations.
The 2026 YOG in Dakar will feature various competitions, including beach volleyball, with Senegal's Sidibé and Thiam launching a successful campaign. The event has also prompted the government to implement measures such as free transportation and designated parking areas for spectators. Local businesses and stakeholders are optimistic about the games' potential to boost economic growth and international visibility.
Key points
- President Bassirou Diomaye Faye advocates for sustainable investment in sports to drive development in Africa.
- The 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar aim to create a lasting legacy in sports infrastructure and youth empowerment.
- Senegal's government is committed to preserving the legacy of the 2026 YOG and promoting peace and development through sports.
