His Excellency Muhammed BS Jallow, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, made groundbreaking commitments to institutionalize youth participation in climate governance during his keynote address at the 4th Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change (LCOY The Gambia) on Friday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre.
Speaking under the theme “Gambian Youth Leading Climate Resilience: Amplifying voices in policy and action,” the Vice President announced three major initiatives that will fundamentally transform how young Gambians engage with national climate policy.
Three Historic Commitments
The Vice President announced the establishment of an Annual Presidential Dialogue on Youth and Climate Change, describing it as “not a talking shop” but a strategic planning session where youth policy proposals will directly inform The Gambia’s national negotiating position at the Conference of Parties (COP) and national climate investment plans.
In what he termed a “flagship initiative,” the VP committed to exploring the immediate creation of a Gambia Youth Climate Corps, which would formally engage thousands of young Gambians in paid, meaningful work building national resilience, from mangrove restoration to developing climate-smart agricultural systems.
Perhaps most significantly, the Vice President guaranteed that a youth representative, selected by the climate movement itself, will be integrated into The Gambia’s official delegation to the upcoming Conference of Parties. “Your voice will be in the negotiation room, ensuring that our position is informed by the lived reality and bold vision of our youth,” the VP declared to enthusiastic applause from the packed venue.
“When I stand on the global stage at the Conference of Parties, I speak of The Gambia’s vulnerabilities,” he said. “But today, I am here to tell you what I will speak of next. From this day forward, I will lead with a new story. The story of you.”
He praised specific examples of youth climate leadership, including young innovators building solar-powered solutions from scrap materials, young women leading reforestation efforts in the North Bank Region, and young activists holding leaders accountable. “The world often sees Africa, and sees The Gambia, as a victim of climate change. But you are redefining that narrative. You are not victims; you are vanguards,” the VP emphasized.
The Vice President’s announcements came with clear expectations for the youth movement. He challenged young climate leaders to “be rigorous” by providing data, evidence, and costed proposals; to “be unified” by bringing collective wisdom rather than individual passions; and to “be relentless” in holding his office accountable to these commitments. “Do not let us fail you,” he urged the audience.
The Vice President concluded by repositioning his role entirely. “I am not here to open your conference. I am here to join your movement,” he declared.
The event drew significant government representation, with Hon. Rohey John-Manjang, Minister of Environment, among the distinguished attendees.
The Gambia Environmental Alliance, which organized LCOY Gambia 2025, has positioned the event as a platform for amplifying youth voices in both policy development and climate action implementation.