EU Beach Clean Up : A large-scale citizen mobilization ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Senegal is joining forces with the City of Dakar and the Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee for a major cleanup operation, organized simultaneously across Dakar’s 19 municipalities. 

This large-scale civic initiative aligns with both World Cleanup Day and the preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. It aims to prepare local areas and achieve lasting improvements to the living environment ahead of this historic event, which Senegal is set to host. 

This mobilization is also part of the #EUBeachCleanup campaign—a global cleanup initiative co-organized by the EU and the United Nations, joining forces to protect the ocean from marine debris. The event takes place annually on World Cleanup Day, which was officially recognized by the UN for the first time in 2024 and is now celebrated every year on September 20. 

This operation reflects a shared ambition: to make the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games not only a major sporting event but also an opportunity for collective mobilization around civic engagement, urban cleanliness, environmental protection, and youth involvement. 

By mobilizing local authorities, associations, volunteers, community stakeholders, young people, and partners, this simultaneous cleanup operation will help raise environmental awareness and enhance public spaces and the coastline in the capital, Dakar. 

"Team Europe" has mobilized extensively, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development, a healthy environment, and concrete actions that benefit citizens. This effort also reflects a desire to build a positive legacy around the Youth Olympic Games for the benefit of local communities and the population. 

Highlights in pictures

Image Copyright DUE Senegal, 2026	Image Copyright DUE Senegal, 2026
Image Copyright DUE Senegal, 2026	Image Copyright DUE Senegal, 2026
Image Copyright DUE Senegal, 2021	Image Copyright DUE Senegal, 2026