Ddougou:The High Commissioner of Mouhoun province, Bassouleymane Ouattara, has called on young people to take an active role in the social and economic transformation of Burkina Faso. This appeal was made during the delayed celebration of International Youth Day on October 9, 2026.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event, held under the theme "Young people, actors of peace, social cohesion and local development," was chaired by Ouattara in Ddougou. It was organized by the Provincial Directorate of Sports, Youth and Employment of Mouhoun, with financial backing from the NGO Voix De Femmes and Save The Children through the SINIGNESIGUI project.
The celebration aimed to create an informative and awareness-raising platform for the youth, focusing on issues such as peace, social cohesion, citizenship, entrepreneurship, and local development. The event featured two presentations on topics related to youth engagement in peace, social cohesion, and economic empowerment.
Wind-Nongmaneguer Yamogo, the provincial director in charge of youth, emphasized the goal of fostering a youth population committed to peace, social cohesion, and economic development. He noted that the event was intended to inspire young people to become role models and active contributors to the nation's progress by creating businesses and job opportunities for their peers.
Moumouni Sawadogo, representing Save The Children, highlighted the importance of empowering young people to express themselves and drive change. He explained that the support for International Youth Day is aligned with the SINIGNESIGUI project's objectives to enhance youth participation, empowerment, and protection.
Ouattara noted that youth make up about 78% of Burkina Faso's population and are pivotal in the country's transformation and development. He emphasized the importance of providing quality education and a hopeful future for the youth, urging them to avoid vices and embrace roles as agents of social and economic change.
The provincial authority also expressed gratitude to partners for their support and stressed the need for continued efforts in information dissemination and support to maintain peace and cohesion in Mouhoun and Burkina Faso as a whole. The celebration aimed to equip young people with the necessary tools to engage in peacebuilding, social cohesion, and job creation.