The Dakar Compact of Young Women and Men of West Africa and the Sahel for the Promotion of Decent Work and Education in Emergencies
An intergenerational commitment for a more just, resilient and inclusive future.
The Dakar Youth Compact 2025 was adopted at the 4th Annual West Africa and Sahel Youth Forum, held in Dakar from 26 to 28 August 2025.
Developed through a participatory and inclusive process with young women and men from 17 countries, alongside governments, social partners, civil society, and regional institutions, the Compact reflects a shared commitment to promote decent work and ensure access to quality education in emergencies.
It is firmly anchored in continental and global frameworks, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the UN 2030 Agenda, and the AU-ILO Youth Employment Strategy for Africa (YES-Africa).
The Compact outlines key principles of inclusion, justice, resilience, participation, and innovation, and translates them into priority commitments: accelerating the creation of decent jobs, expanding equitable access to education in crisis contexts, strengthening youth participation in policymaking, fostering intergenerational solidarity, and investing in youth-led solutions.
By placing youth at the heart of peacebuilding and development, the Dakar Youth Compact provides a clear roadmap for governments, social partners, and partners across the region to build more just, resilient, and inclusive societies.