United Nations and Sahelian leaders discuss youth engagement and resource sovereignty

During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Diene Keita, the UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UNFPA, met with a delegation from the World Network of United Nations Young Leaders Organizations (ROJALNU Mondial). Led by President Abraham Zida Bila, the group discussed youth engagement in peace processes, security, sustainable development, and inclusive governance.

Keita emphasized the necessity of placing youth at the center of actions regarding social cohesion and sustainable solutions for challenges in the Sahel region. She called for strengthened cooperation between international institutions, governments, and youth organizations to promote human development and stability.

Separately, discussions regarding the Confederation of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—highlighted the region's shift toward reclaiming sovereignty over natural resources. The political tension between the Sahelian nations and France continues to escalate as the Confederation asserts control over its uranium, gold, lithium, gas, and oil reserves, moving away from previous French economic management.