Banjul, The Gambia: The National Assembly of The Gambia, with support from the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), celebrated the graduation of four Parliamentary Fellows under the EU–UNDP GREAT Project, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen parliamentary capacity, democratic governance and youth empowerment in The Gambia.

The graduation ceremony, held alongside the Strategic Partners Breakfast Meeting at the National Assembly, brought together parliamentary leadership, development partners and government representatives to reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing parliamentary modernization and implementing the National Assembly's Strategic Plan.

Over the past 12 months, the Fellows were embedded within the National Assembly, contributing to legislative drafting, legal research, committee reporting, bill scrutiny, strategic partnerships and communications. Working alongside parliamentary staff, they supported evidence informed legislative oversight, strengthened parliamentary support services and enhanced the Assembly's constitutional functions of legislation, oversight and representation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Speaker of the National Assembly, described the Fellowship Programme as a strategic investment in institutional renewal and democratic governance. He noted that the initiative had strengthened the Assembly's human capital while providing young professionals with practical parliamentary experience, helping bridge the gap between education and employment.

"The Fellowship Programme has demonstrated the value of investing in people to build stronger institutions," the Speaker said. "By nurturing young professionals and equipping them with practical parliamentary experience, we are strengthening the foundation of democratic governance and ensuring the sustainability of parliamentary reforms."

The Speaker also commended the European Union and UNDP for their continued partnership in supporting parliamentary modernization and reaffirmed the National Assembly's commitment to sustaining the programme, including through the retention of two Fellows and the absorption of the remaining Fellows as opportunities arise.

In his remarks, Mr. Kalipha Mbye, Clerk of the National Assembly, highlighted the Fellows' significant contributions to committee work, legislative research, bill scrutiny, strategic communications and public engagement. He noted that the programme introduced fresh perspectives and specialized expertise while fostering mutual learning between Fellows and parliamentary staff, contributing to improved institutional performance and service delivery.

Representing UNDP, Ms. Evelyn Edroma, Deputy Resident Representative and Officer in Charge, reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to supporting effective, inclusive and accountable parliamentary institutions.

"Strong parliaments are central to democratic governance and sustainable development," she said. "By investing in institutional capacity and empowering young professionals through practical experience and mentorship, we are helping build a new generation of parliamentary leaders capable of advancing inclusive, transparent and evidence informed governance."

Ms. Edroma noted that the Fellowship Programme aligns with UNDP's global commitment to strengthening parliamentary institutions and supports the implementation of UNDP's Country Programme Document and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, both of which prioritize inclusive governance, institutional effectiveness and citizen participation.

The Parliamentary Fellowship Programme forms part of the EU–UNDP GREAT Project, which supports democratic governance reforms and strengthens key state institutions in The Gambia. By combining practical learning, mentorship and institutional engagement, the programme has enhanced parliamentary effectiveness while creating meaningful opportunities for young professionals to contribute to national development.

The National Assembly's decision to retain two Fellows reflects the programme's success in building sustainable institutional capacity and demonstrates a shared commitment to investing in the country's future legislative leadership.

UNDP and the European Union remain committed to supporting the National Assembly and other national institutions to advance parliamentary modernization, strengthen democratic governance and promote inclusive development that delivers for all Gambians.

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For more information, please contact:
Fazal Rehman Khan
Communications and Reporting Analyst 
EU-UNDP GREAT Project
Email: fazal.rehman.khan@undp.org
Cell: +2204507839