The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is emphasizing the critical need for youth inclusion in development initiatives. ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, Josephine Nkrumah, has been a strong advocate for mainstreaming youth activities into development agendas across the region. She believes that fostering youth participation is not simply about addressing conflict or promoting peace and security, but about recognizing the vast potential of young people as agents of positive change and integrating them into the broader development strategy for a stronger and more prosperous ECOWAS. This approach recognizes the youth demographic as the largest segment of the regional population and emphasizes the importance of their voices being heard and their perspectives considered in decision-making processes.
Ambassador Nkrumah argues for “youth mainstreaming” in all sectors of development, mirroring the concept of gender mainstreaming. She emphasizes that excluding young people from development planning and implementation creates a disconnect between the youth and their leaders, hindering the progress of the region. The goal is to build an interconnected society where the aspirations of the youth are understood and their potential is fully utilized. This integration is crucial for shaping a truly representative and effective ECOWAS that reflects the needs and aspirations of all its citizens, especially its young people.
The ambassador’s call to action resonates with the theme “Shaping ECOWAS at 50; shaping the future of what we do in 2050.” This theme highlights the importance of long-term planning that incorporates the next generation. By investing in youth development and empowerment today, ECOWAS can pave the way for a more stable, prosperous, and integrated region in the future. This investment requires not just including young people in existing programs, but actively creating opportunities for them to lead, innovate, and contribute their unique perspectives to regional development.
Nkrumah further underscores that youth mainstreaming cannot be a passive process. It requires young people to be informed, engaged, and actively involved in shaping their own future. They must understand their own needs, aspirations, and the role they can play in regional development. She encourages young people to take ownership of their future by making informed decisions and actively participating in platforms that allow their voices to be heard. This approach fosters a sense of responsibility among the youth and ensures that development efforts are truly youth-led and responsive to their needs.
The ECOWAS Youth Volunteer program serves as an example of an initiative designed to promote youth participation and regional integration. This program offers valuable opportunities for young people to contribute to their communities, gain experience, and develop their leadership skills. It also fosters a sense of regional identity and promotes intercultural understanding among young people from different member states. Such platforms are essential for building a strong network of future leaders who are committed to the vision of a united and prosperous West Africa.
Ambassador Nkrumah acknowledges that there are challenges facing ECOWAS, including criticisms of its effectiveness and the withdrawal of some member states. She clarifies the structure of ECOWAS, explaining that it comprises the ECOWAS Commission, the ECOWAS Parliament, and the ECOWAS Court, all guided by decisions made by the heads of state of member countries. She emphasizes that criticism of ECOWAS reflects on all member states and underscores the importance of holding leaders accountable for decisions that impact the entire region. This accountability is crucial for the transition from an “ECOWAS of states” to an “ECOWAS of the people,” ensuring that the organization truly represents and serves the interests of its citizens, including the youth who are the future of the region.
