Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: Partnership between the Organising Committee and the ILO to ensure a lasting social legacy after the Games

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DAKAR (ILO News) - The Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (YOGOC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have signed a cooperation agreement. The objective is to make Dakar 2026 a benchmark in social sustainability, decent work and respect for human rights.

From 31 October to 13 November, Senegal will host the very first Olympic event ever held on the African continent. On this occasion, 2,700 athletes from 206 delegations are expected in Dakar, Saly and Diamniadio to compete in sporting events and aim to win one or more Olympic medals.

A focus on young people and workers

Beyond sporting performance, the YOGOC aims to make these Games a model of sustainable social and economic transformation. In this context, a partnership was concluded between the Committee and the ILO in January.

Signed by Ms Samira Daoud, ILO Country Director, and Mr Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the YOGOC, the agreement seeks to ensure compliance with labour law for all those involved in the preparation and delivery of the Games.

The agreement also provides support for young workers mobilized for Dakar 2026. Awareness-raising activities will be conducted on their fundamental rights, particularly in relation to occupational safety and health, working conditions, fair remuneration and access to social protection.

Strengthening social dialogue sustainably

The partnership also extends to companies involved in organizing Dakar 2026, particularly in key sectors such as construction, hospitality and services.

Capacity-building activities carried out jointly by the ILO and the YOGOC will help improve human resources management practices, promote social dialogue and strengthen compliance with international labour standards.

Concluded for a period running until December 2027, the partnership covers the preparation phase, the Games period and the post-event stage. It reflects the shared ambition of the YOGOC and the ILO to make Dakar 2026 a catalyst for decent jobs and a lasting social legacy for Senegalese youth.