The ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs held a press conference at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja on 19 April 2024. Professor Fatou SOW SARR took the opportunity to discuss ECOWAS policies regarding humanitarian issues and youth. She leads a department that guides ECOWAS policy in science, education, culture, humanitarian affairs, equality, gender, youth, and sport.
Each component works towards the development of the Community through regional policies that consider sectors like gender, education, youth, and humanitarian aid. Despite the numerous challenges in the region, humanitarian issues remain a top priority for the Commission. In times of natural disasters or security-related issues, this department steps in to offer support to Member States and affected populations.
The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Humanitarian Affairs, allocates financial resources to address issues like floods and the migration crisis. Specifically, in 2024, over $9 million was provided for internally displaced persons, refugees, and host communities in Guinea, especially after the fire at the oil depot and flooding incidents.
In efforts to stabilize the region and combat terrorism, ECOWAS has financially aided Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso in the rehabilitation and enhancement of community resilience. Additionally, ECOWAS has established an Observation, Monitoring, and Early Warning Centre in Abuja to prevent violent extremism and address humanitarian concerns in the region.
Regarding youth, the ECOWAS Youth and Sport Development Centre implements the Commission’s policies related to youth, sport, and volunteering. Since 2014, 217 volunteers have been deployed to Member States like Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea to promote volunteering spirit and youth engagement in community service.
Sport, besides its recreational benefits, serves as a tool for regional integration. The EYSDC supports sports federations annually, providing $100,000 loans per federation for activities like wrestling, marathons, and cycling.
To enhance the socio-economic integration of young individuals, the Commission implements incubation and vocational training programs. Initiatives like refrigeration and air conditioning training in Burkina Faso and Mali aim to equip youths with practical skills. Furthermore, young people from the region have been selected and funded for 12 projects under a partnership with China.
The Education Directorate actively facilitates academic mobility and professional integration programs for young people within ECOWAS institutions. Since 2016, 845 youths have benefited from this program, with an additional 180 young individuals benefitting from private-sector industry engagement between 2021 and 2022.
From 2019, 42 young people have pursued Master’s Degrees in diplomacy and international relations in Spain. Between 2018 and 2024, the research and innovation support program has sponsored the training of 30 young individuals in Masters and PHD programs, with funding reaching nearly US$700,000.
ECOWAS also engages in cultural activities, recognizing and awarding prizes to artists at events like FESPACO in Burkina Faso and MASA in Côte d’Ivoire.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).