So much like the White Paper (collection of observations and recommendations on the place of youth in the governance of water and the environment in order to achieve a more effective involvement of youth in the fight against problems related to these sectors) that will be produced and delivered to international decision makers on the occasion of the COP 21, members of the National Youth Parliament for Water and Sanitation (PNJEA), have managed to develop the Country White Booklet. The White Booklet is a document that summarizes the findings and recommendations of Benin's youth about their role in the governance of the water, food security and climate change sectors included in the report of the consultations carried out by the PNJEA under the project "Francophone youth for water", which was validated late August 2015 in Cotonou.
Youth reading their commitment
Initiated by the Office Franco-Québécois de la Jeunesse (OFQJ) and the Global Water Partnership (GWP), the project aims to mobilize young water experts on four continents during international events related to environmental matters, to act both at local and global levels. The project is implemented with the technical support of GWP West Africa, CWP-Benin and the financial support of GIZ-Benin. During the ceremony of the White Booklet handing over, the youth read their statement of commitment and they distinguish several personalities as Godfathers and Godmothers. Several guests from the water and sanitation sectors the ambassador of France in Benin, the PROSEHA / GIZ Programme Officer, the Minister of Water, and the chair of Benin CWP attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the closing of the event, the water minister congratulated these young dedicated to the water sector and all the partners who worked to produce this document that will serve in years to come, as the roadmap with actions to be carried out by the youth for the youth to safeguard the common good, which is our environment. She also referred to her desire and determination to work with these young people. Finally, the Minister of Water has committed to present this PNJEA initiative at the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State of the Niger Basin Authority scheduled for November 6, 2015 in Bamako, Mali.
PNJEA President with Godmothers & Godfather