The United Nations has launched a new Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) project, "Strengthening Citizen Trust and Public Accountability for Peaceful Coexistence in The Gambia," reaffirming its commitment to supporting transparent, inclusive and accountable governance, strengthened citizen engagement, and sustainable peace in the country.

Led by UNDP in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the project aims to strengthen the relationship between citizens and public institutions by enhancing access to information, improving improving institutional accountability and responsiveness, protecting civic space, and promoting meaningful citizen participation. .

The launch comes at a pivotal moment in The Gambia's democratic transition. Since 2017, the country has made significant strides in strengthening democratic institutions, advancing transitional justice and human rights, expanding civic space and promoting citizen participation. While these reforms have laid a strong foundation for democratic governance, sustaining public trust requires institutions that are transparent, responsive, and accountable to the people they serve 

Speaking at the launch, UNDP Resident Representative Mandisa Mashologu emphasized that trust is the cornerstone of peaceful and resilient societies. "Public accountability is not simply a governance objective, it is a peacebuilding imperative. When citizens are informed, engaged and able to hold institutions accountable, grievances are more likely to be addressed through dialogue and democratic processes rather than through mistrust, exclusion or conflict."

The Resident Representative noted that the project builds on UNDP's long-standing support to democratic governance and peacebuilding in The Gambia, in The Gambia, including initiatives on transitional justice, security sector reform, access to justiceand strengthening national  infrastructures for peace.

Launched during the first-ever Global Peacebuilding Week, which also marks the 20th anniversary of the UN Peacebuilding Fund, the initiative underscores the importance of investing in peacebuilding as a driver of sustainable development.

The project aligns with The Gambia's Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (YIRIWAA) 2023–2027, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the UNDP Strategic Plan, and contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

The project will strengthen institutional accountability, expand civic space and the protection of civic actors, improve citizen access to credible public information, and enhance citizen engagement in governance processes. It will also support the operationalization of access to information mechanisms, strengthen collaboration between state institutions and civil society, and promote evidence-based public dialogue to improve public service delivery and social cohesion.

Recognizing that inclusive governance is essential for lasting peace, the project places women, young people, persons with disabilities, civil society organizations, media practitioners, community based organisations and marginalized communities at the centre of implementation—not only as beneficiaries, but as active partners in shaping The Gambia's democratic future.

Addressing participants, Hon. Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, highlighted the importance of transparency in strengthening democratic governance. "Public accountability is not a choice; it is a mandate. When citizens understand what government is doing, why it matters, and see real delivery, then trust grows. When they feel listened to and engaged, then participation strengthens."

The Resident Representative also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services for its leadership in advancing transparency, access to information and citizen engagement, noting that the strong partnership between the Ministry and the United Nations has helped shape a nationally owned project that responds to The Gambia's governance priorities. and supports peaceful coexistence through strengthened accountability.

She further thanked the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund for its continued investment in The Gambia's democratic consolidation and reaffirmed UNDP's commitment, together with  UNFPA and OHCHR, to supporting the Government and national partners in delivering meaningful and lasting results.

As implementation begins, the project is expected to strengthen accountability mechanisms, improve institutional responsiveness, enhance citizens' access to information and opportunities to participate in public affairs, and reinforce trust between citizens and state institutions. Ultimately, the project seeks to contribute to a more peaceful, inclusive, and resilient Gambia where accountable institutions and informed, engaged citizens work together to sustain peace and democratic governance