The forum was aimed at creating a platform for youth organisations, young entrepreneurs, investors and government, to map out a way forward for youth employment. It  also aimed at equiping YEN member organisations with relevant information in creating and developing initiatives for youth employment.

Speaking at the occasion, Abdou Boye, YEN national coordinator, said YEN Gambia chapter was established in 2002 as a national network of youth organisations advocating for the creation of decent employment and sustainable livelihoods for the youth of the country. He informed that The Gambia chapter is an associate member of the Youth Employment Summit (YES) international network, which has more than 80 national networks worldwide. He went on to say that the establishment of the network was based on the demographic realities of The Gambia and its youthful population, the high rate of labour force and high unemployment among youth, coupled with the severity of the crises especially as it affects youth demands. 

He finally thanked YMCA for being a partner in the forum, but expressed dismay over the partnership process between them and YMCA in the past, thereby calling on them to live up to the task. He said YEN would not relent in addressing the issue of youth unemployment. He also thanked the government of The Gambia for its steadfastness in addressing the youth unemployment.

For his part, Joseph Peacock of the YMCA, described the forum as a very important one, in the sense that it would allow participants to discuss and share best practices. He posited that with the increasing population, youth employment will continue to be on the alarm; and as such a collective effort is needed to address it. He added that for the young people to effectively contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities, they have to be employed. He called on the young people to be innovative and to acquire skills. He then challenged YEN Gambia to be more active; noting that YMCA is always committed to supporting genuine programmes.

Declaring the forum officially open on behalf of the minister of Youth and Sports, Marchel Mendy, executive secretary of the National Youth Council, said the forum is timely because unemployment is increasingly hitting the globe. He described the young people as the leaders of today and tomorrow; thus the need for them to be employed. He advised the young people to change their mindset, noting that all cannot be in the offices.

Mendy reminded them of government's establishment of NYSS, NEDI meant to create job opportunities for the youths of the country, but alluded that youths are not capitalising on these opportunities. He called on all and sundry to play their role in addressing the issue of youth unemployment. "Young people of The Gambia should thank God because they are blessed with a leadership that priorities them so much," he stated. Mendy then commended YEN for organising the forum and challenged the youth networks to be committed in sensitising the unemployed on the job opportunities available for them. Nfamara Jawneh, Advocacy and Communications Officer of YEN, moderated the session.