Salutations:

Honourable Cabinet Ministers,

Representatives of the United Nations System and Development Partners,

Distinguished Guests,

Civil Society Leaders and Youth Representatives,

Members of the Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to welcome you all to the national launch of the 2025 Human Development Report, a landmark publication that directly addresses our current time characterized by rapid technological advancements, uncertainty, and possibility.

Amid ongoing global turmoil, the world is witnessing a troubling reversal in human development progress. Inequality has risen for the fourth consecutive year, with countries at the lowest end of the Human Development Index (HDI) spectrum being disproportionately affected. 

Traditional development pathways—such as industrialization and export-led growth—are narrowing, undermining opportunities for large-scale job creation and poverty reduction. This has led to a widening gap between low and very high HDI countries, reversing over two decades of steady progress in reducing global inequality. Many of the world’s poorest nations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, now face a triple burden: jobless industrialization, worsening debt crises, and rising trade tensions.

This year’s Human Development Report titled “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI,” underscores the urgency of rethinking development in the face of these challenges. It explores the transformative power of artificial intelligence and its profound implications for human development and calls for transformative policies that harness innovation—particularly artificial intelligence—to drive inclusive and sustainable progress. As AI reshapes economies, societies, and public services, the report makes a clear call: to ensure that its benefits are equitably shared, its governance is inclusive, and its use deepens, not divides—human progress.

Launching this report here in The Gambia offers a timely opportunity to reflect on how we can harness emerging technologies to tackle our most pressing development challenges, help bridge longstanding inequalities and quicken achievement of the SDGs.

With over 65% of the population under the age of 25, The Gambia is uniquely positioned to transform its demographic potential into digital dividends. This vision aligns closely with UNDP’s ongoing efforts in the country, particularly through two flagship initiatives for 2025: the Gambia National Human Development Report, which focuses on youth unemployment, and the Gambia Innovation Ecosystem Mapping.

As Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, reminds us: “Africa’s development trajectory can be radically transformed by embracing innovation and technology—especially when it is driven by Africa’s own talents, aspirations, and bold choices. We must invest in our youth, empower communities, and ensure that digital advances like AI serve the interests of all, leaving no one behind.”Consequently, today’s event brings together key stakeholders—government, development partners, civil society, academia, and youth—to engage in meaningful dialogue on how to leverage AI responsibly, inclusively, and sustainably.

I am pleased to note that UNDP supports countries to build inclusive AI ecosystems, strengthen capabilities, and implement solutions that benefit both people and planet - working to ensure all countries can actively participate in shaping and harnessing AI's transformative potential.

As the former UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner, noted, “The future of human development lies not in technological power alone, but in the power of our choices.” I hope today’s discussions guide us toward bold, collaborative choices that drive sustainable development, accelerate implementation of the SDGs and advance innovation, equity, and resilience for all Gambians.

Welcome once again and thank you for being part of this important conversation.

Thank you.

Abarakah. Jerejeff. Jarama.