The Gambian Vice President Mohammed BS Jallow, who, on behalf of President Barrow, led a delegation of senior government officials and technicians to the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, has highlighted Gambia’s achievements, plans and prospects in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals, while addressing world leaders, calling the theme of this year’s global summit, “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all,” a mirror of the country’s national ethos of peace, progress and prosperity.
“Since our political transition in 2017, The Gambia has committed itself to the consolidation of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Good governance, accountability, and institutional reforms are progressively taking root in our society,” he said. He assured that “sustaining and building the peace that we have so heavily invested in will remain a priority for the Government”. He mentioned government’s initiatives to institute transitional justice mechanisms that have yielded substantial results. He assured that Gambia Government is fully committed to implementing the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) set up in 2018.
On sub-regional front VP Jallow lamented that West Africa is facing serious challenges in connection with development, democratic governance, the rule of law, peace, and security. While these regional challenges are being grappled with, he assured that The Gambia is truly committed to nurturing our young democracy, institutional building, protecting and promoting fundamental rights and freedoms, as well as women and youth empowerment. “We are now enjoying the dividends of democracy, and we believe it is the best form of governance for our people,” he added.
He went on: “…in our quest to inclusively deliver the dividends of democracy and build a more secure and prosperous Gambia, the Government recently developed a new Green Focused Recovery National Development Plan 2023-2027 as successor to the 2018-2021 National Development Plan”.
While appreciating the support and partnership received during implementation of the NDP, the Vice President urged the continuous support and partnership of Gambia’s friends, partners, and the international community to successfully implement its new development master plan.
Finally he posited that the prudence of rebuilding trust in our multilateral institutions across the globe is glaringly evident. “To avoid exclusion of the most vulnerable members in this Decade of Action, The Gambia submits that we invest heavily in global solidarity. We can all make a difference if we commit to rekindling global solidarity. Concerted global action, sustained international solidarity, and increased partnerships are the antidote for our global challenges”.