UNDP Japan fund boosts Gambia youth peacebuilding

A fresh Japanese-funded push just tied economic lifelines for Gambian youth and women directly to lasting peace efforts in the country.

JSB 2024 Project

• UNDP rolled out the JSB 2024 initiative with backing from the Government of Japan to boost youth and women's participation.
• Samba B. Jallow leads Inclusive Growth at the UNDP Country Office and calls the work critical for sustainable peace.

Core focus

• Project builds livelihoods through agriculture and entrepreneurship while cutting risks of drug abuse and bad coping habits.
• The three-pronged plan covers peacebuilding, economic empowerment, and operationalising the Youth and Peace Action Plan.

Key drivers

• Economic struggles push many young people toward conflict as they sit outside productive sectors.
• Seventy percent of The Gambia's population consists of youth who need real job chances to stay engaged.

Community angle

• Grassroots involvement keeps interventions alive long-term, according to Jallow.
• Japanese visitors joined the effort under the banner Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Peace in The Gambia.