By Fatou Sanneh
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources recently hosted a side event at the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Partnership Pavilion focused on the Implementation of The Gambia’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC2). The event aimed at providing invaluable insights into the progress of The Gambia’s NDC2 implementation plan, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and opportunities for enhanced action. Speaking at the event, the Hon. Minister Rohey John-Manjang stated that The Gambia’s Nationally Determined Contributions, particularly the second NDC, serves as a critical framework for climate action and sustainable development initiatives. “This event reflects our collective commitment to addressing climate change while fostering development that meets the needs of our people.’’
“The challenges we face are significant from rising sea levels to erratic weather patterns that endanger agricultural productivity and water availability, these issues threaten the livelihoods of our communities.’’ Minister Manjang noted She said it is important to remember that climate justice should be viewed as a fundamental right, especially for those who have contributed the least to the crisis but face its most severe consequences. “We must assist each other, exchange best practices, and mobilise the resources needed to meet our commitments. Many of the initiatives outlined in the NDC will depend on the availability of international climate finance,” she said.
In his closing remarks, Senegalese Minister of Environment, Daouda Njom stated that Gambia’s commitment to climate action reflects a shared vision for a more sustainable and resilient future for the region. He assured that his country is committed to strengthening regional cooperation and aligning strategies to achieve the collective goal of the Paris Agreement. In 2015, The Gambia pledged to uphold the Paris Agreement, understanding the importance of a thorough and inclusive strategy in combating climate change. The second NDC illustrates the country’s determination to bolster resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and align national policies with the worldwide climate agenda. The event was graced by Ministers of Environment and Climate Change from Senegal and Sierra Leone, senior officials, veteran climate change experts, and COP29 party delegates. Their contributions enriched the dialogue and underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving global climate goals.
In a similar enegagemnt, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Public Service, Mr. Pateh Jah, speaking during a panel discussion on the role of public services in advancing green governance at the COP29 in Baku, at the Azerbaijan Pavilion, emphasised that The Gambia is committed to tackling climate challenges through public sector leadership. He informed that the government has implemented significant reforms that prioritise environmental sustainability, including comprehensive policy updates, promotion of renewable energy, and strong community engagement initiatives. Permanent Secretary Jah highlighted that these measures showcase The Gambia’s proactive stance in combating global climate issues and serve as a testament to the impactful role smaller nations can play in driving meaningful change in sustainability efforts.
