Gardnersville – Hope for Young People Inc., a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to unlocking opportunities and resources for Liberia’s youth, has welcomed the historic announcement that Liberia has won the bid to host the ECOWAS Youth & Sports Development Centre (EYSDC).
The landmark achievement—confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—establishes Liberia as a key hub for youth empowerment across West Africa. The ECOWAS Commission’s decision follows a competitive selection process, initiated in response to recent institutional relocations within the regional bloc.
Liberia, through strategic diplomatic engagement and a strong commitment to regional development, emerged victorious—marking a major milestone in the nation’s post-war transformation.
Hope for Young People Inc. extends heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Liberia, particularly Edwin M. Snowe, Chairperson of the Liberian Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, and Her Excellency Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, for their exceptional advocacy and leadership. The organization also commends the broader team of government officials and stakeholders who championed Liberia’s bid and represented the aspirations of young Liberians with excellence.
Hosting the EYSDC promises significant benefits: increased investment in youth education and development, expanded opportunities in sports diplomacy, job creation, and heightened regional visibility. These opportunities are critical to building a stronger, more empowered future for young people in Liberia and across the West African sub-region.
However, with this opportunity comes great responsibility. Hope for Young People Inc. is calling on the Government of Liberia to complement this regional achievement with urgent, concrete national actions. Specifically, the organization urges the government to increase national investment in youth development—with a focus on education, skills training, and entrepreneurship strengthen the fight against illicit drug use and addiction, which continues to ravage communities and derail the future of many young Liberians ensure inclusive youth participation in the planning and implementation of the ECOWAS Youth & Sports Development Centre’s programs and forge strong partnerships with civil society, community leaders, and international development partners to transform the Centre into a platform for lasting impact.
“This is a turning point for Liberia and its youth. The hosting of this Centre is a clear message that the region believes in our potential,” said Thomas Tamba Bundoo, Founder and Executive Director of Hope for Young People Inc.
“Now is the time for our government and development partners to intensify investments in youth empowerment and take bold, urgent steps to address the growing threat of illicit drugs. We have a moral and regional responsibility to deliver.”
This moment, the organization emphasizes, is not just a diplomatic win—it is a call to action. The selection of Liberia as host country must be matched by deeper investments in the dreams, talents, and wellbeing of the nation’s young people.
Hope for Young People Inc. reaffirms its commitment to working with national and regional partners to ensure that the ECOWAS Youth & Sports Development Centre becomes a true engine for transformation—delivering on its promise to uplift the next generation of African leaders.
