GYCC President nominated for ICC World Chambers Federation General Council Election
By Sulayman Waan
The President of the Gambia Youth Chamber of Commerce (GYCC), Modou Lamin Gassama is a confirmed candidate for the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Chambers Federation (WCF) General Council Elections.
The applications of 67 chamber leaders from 52 countries and territories, covering every region of the world expressed their readiness to serve on the WCF General Council. However, 59 of the candidates was approved (16 from Europe, 5 from Africa, 9 from Middle East and North Africa, 8 from Asia Pacific, 15 from Americas and 6 from Transnational Chambers).
In a statement ICC said: “Upon demonstrating commitment to supporting the WCF in representing the global interests of chambers worldwide and contributing to its program in alignment with the broader strategies and objectives of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).”
It added: “All chambers that are WCF members (i.e ICC member chambers approved by WCF General Council as per WCF bylaws) are eligible to vote and each one will have access to the profiles of the candidates in AwardStage.”
The election for the new WCF General Council will take place from 1st to 25th April 2025 on the AwardStage platform.
In his reaction, Mr. Gassama said it is a great privileged for The Gambia to be represented in such a very important global organization, which has great influence and support services in international arbitration, global trade advocacy, networking and trade policy developments.
“Out of over 500 Chambers of Commerce in 124 Countries, The Gambia Youth Chamber of Commerce is the 59 participating candidates and the only youth candidate in this election, also among only 5 from Africa,” he said.
“I am quite proud to represent the voices of Gambian businesses and entrepreneurs, in the World Chambers Federation, as this development will boast the reputation of the country in the global trade ecosystem and strengthens our country’s aspirations in global trade,” he added.
Gassama advised youth to be consistent in pursuing development aspirations in a holistic, inclusive and proactive manner, while focusing on human capital development, policy advocacy and the ‘Leaving No One Behind’ as development requires inclusive participation and realization of transformations in our relevant sectors.
He encouraged self-help initiatives, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, and local solution orientated interventions.
Moving forward, he called on all youth to increasing engage in economic and employment opportunities through a sustainable and scalable approach as innovative means of reducing the effects of youth unemployment.
SW/COB/07/04/25
