Dakar, September 6, 2026
The President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, proceeded, on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Iba Mar Diop Stadium, to the official launch of DUNDAL JOJ, the national campaign for mobilization and engagement around the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
A few weeks before this historic event, scheduled from October 31 to November 13, 2026, DUNDAL JOJ has an ambition that goes beyond the competitions: to make the Games live by the communities and for the communities, and to build now a lasting legacy for the youth and territories of Senegal.
Artists, athletes, businesses, foundations, local authorities, cultural figures, and representatives of civil society all took part in this mobilization. This momentum reflects the desire to make Dakar 2026 a national, popular, and inclusive event.
Legacy is one of the cornerstones of DUNDAL JOJ. It is not limited to the infrastructure built or renovated to host the competitions. It also encompasses education, sports, culture, social issues, economic development, environmental concerns, and community involvement.
Schools and young people are central to this initiative. More than 150.000 students and teachers will receive back-to-school kits. In addition, 200.000 tickets will be purchased and distributed to schools and associations to allow as many young people as possible to experience the competitions and share the Games.
DUNDAL JOJ also plans initiatives in schools, inter-school challenges, programs around sustainable development and nutrition, as well as activities promoting youth engagement, empowerment and leadership, particularly for young girls.
Sport will naturally be at the heart of this dynamic, with competitions, challenges and awareness-raising activities to transmit the values of Olympism, self-improvement, respect and citizenship.
DUNDAL JOJ also intends to take advantage of this global event to tell and promote Senegal.
Cultures, artistic expressions, heritage, culinary specialties, local products and know-how must contribute to offering participants and visitors a true "Senegal Experience", while allowing different communities and territories to take full part in the Games.
The environment and living conditions also constitute an important focus of the program. Actions in eco-citizenship education, reforestation, green sports activities, as well as initiatives for the development and enhancement of spaces are planned.
Through caravans, Youth Olympic Games Festival Villages and various activities around civic responsibility, peace, solidarity and inclusion, DUNDAL JOJ aims to bring the spirit of the Games beyond the competition venues and closer to the people.
To give substance to this ambition, DUNDAL JOJ calls for the commitment of all active forces: State, local authorities, businesses, foundations, patrons, sports movement, cultural actors, civil society and citizens.
During the launch ceremony, the Head of State notably announced a contribution of 500 million FCFA from the National Foundation Senegal Solidarity, at the initiative of the First Lady, Mrs. Marie Khone Faye.
This contribution is part of a broader mobilization aimed at supporting the various actions of DUNDAL JOJ and enabling partners who wish to do so to also contribute concretely to the legacy of the Games.
Beyond the closing ceremony, the ultimate challenge will be to preserve and maintain the infrastructure inherited from Dakar 2026, ensuring it continues to serve the community and becomes a lasting hub for sports, community gatherings, opportunities, and personal growth for young people. The first step was taken on September 5th with a historic first: the organization of a cocktail reception in a stadium in Senegal.
