The workshop, themed “Animating Associative Life and Youth Leaders Facing Politics: What Posture?”, aimed to cultivate a responsible youth, dedicated to fostering peace and preserving social cohesion within Côte d’Ivoire’s often sensitive sociopolitical landscape.
“Organizations such as the CNJCI are established to collaborate directly with the administration. Every leader must understand their responsibilities and maintain an exemplary stance toward the State and society,” Alexis Adjoumani Kouadio emphasized. He further elaborated that youth organizations should serve as vital frameworks for civic guidance and essential partners for public administration in promoting civism, dialogue, and harmonious coexistence.
Adding to this sentiment, Kouacou Désiré, the regional director for the Ministry of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service of Gontougo, underscored the critical need to develop leaders capable of effectively galvanizing their associations while upholding neutrality amidst political tensions. “Simply being an association president is not enough. Leaders must invigorate their organizations, unite young people, and spearhead initiatives that contribute meaningfully to the development of our communities,” he affirmed. He also noted that the workshop sought to enhance the capabilities of associative actors in responsible leadership, effective dialogue, organizational management, and the crucial prevention of political manipulation within youth movements.
Representing the Prefect of the Gontougo region and Bondoukou department, Gnaihi Hugues commended the initiative, recognizing its contribution to positioning youth as a pivotal force for social stability and national development. “Our nation’s youth represents an invaluable asset. They must be a driving force for social cohesion, peace, and active civic engagement,” he declared, urging all participants to fully absorb the lessons shared during the various sessions.
The workshop featured several impactful interventions, including a presentation on animating associative life by Jean Pierre Kouassi, a compelling testimony on associative engagement from Gla Serge, and a dynamic panel discussion on the appropriate posture for youth leaders in politics, expertly led by Pascal Kouamé.
The event also included the official presentation of the local CNJCI office. It successfully brought together numerous youth presidents from various neighborhoods and villages, key associative leaders, student representatives, and other stakeholders actively involved in promoting civism and community leadership across the Gontougo region.