ECOWAS @50: High-Level Dialogue Focuses on Women, Youth as Pillars of Regional Future By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is advancing its vision for a more inclusive and resilient region as its Department of Human Development and Social Affairs (DHAS) convenes a high-level dialogue on the future of women and youth in governance, peace, security and regional integration.
The consultative engagement, organised through the ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (CCDG), brings together key stakeholders to examine strategies for strengthening the role of women and young people in shaping West Africa’s political, social and economic trajectory.
With ECOWAS marking its 50th anniversary, the dialogue forms part of activities under the broader “Summit on the Future of West Africa” initiative, aimed at redefining priorities for the next phase of regional cooperation.
Participants are expected to deliberate on practical approaches to enhancing inclusive governance, deepening youth participation in peace and security frameworks, and accelerating gender-responsive policies across Member States. The meeting underscores ECOWAS’ commitment to building institutions that reflect the demographic realities of the region, where women and youth constitute a significant majority of the population.
Organisers say the outcomes of the dialogue will feed into regional policy frameworks and long-term strategies designed to promote sustainable development, democratic stability and economic integration.
As the region navigates complex security and governance challenges, ECOWAS’ renewed focus on women and youth signals a deliberate effort to anchor the future of West Africa on inclusive leadership, shared responsibility and intergenerational partnership.
