In the first quarter of 2026, United Nations Volunteers (UNV) The Gambia continued to play a pivotal role in advancing national development priorities by mobilizing skilled volunteers to support impactful programmes across the country.

As of March 2026, a total of 33 volunteers are actively deployed, an increase from 26 during the same period in 2025, across UN agencies, government institutions, and community initiatives. Their contributions have strengthened key areas including peacebuilding, gender equality, youth empowerment, and climate adaptation, delivering tangible results on the ground. Youth-led initiatives, for example, benefited from enhanced technical and operational support, while programme teams saw improved monitoring and reporting capacity.

UNV The Gambia strategically positioned volunteers to address critical gaps in programme delivery and facilitate knowledge transfer. In partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 12 community volunteers were mobilized to serve as mentors to returnees, providing guidance, psychosocial support, and reintegration assistance. Additionally, 2 community volunteers were deployed under UNDP to support ongoing initiatives, providing critical support to the Japan Supplementary Budget (JSB) project. They contribute by mentoring participants, facilitating community engagement activities, and assisting in the implementation of project objectives, thereby strengthening the reach and impact of JSB in empowering local communities. The broader volunteer cohort includes 15 specialists, 2 experts, 1 youth volunteer, and 1 university volunteer, each contributing unique expertise to strengthen programme implementation.

Through targeted partnership mapping and evidence-based outreach, UNV The Gambia continues to ensure that volunteer placements are aligned with national priorities and deliver measurable impact. By bridging UN resources with local knowledge and community engagement, volunteers are helping to empower communities, build institutional capacity, and advance sustainable development outcomes.

Looking ahead, UNV The Gambia remains committed to expanding its volunteer network, deepening strategic partnerships, and driving inclusive, community-centered development across the country.