Your Excellencies, 

Distinguished Representatives of Government, 

Honourable Members of Parliament, 

Civil Society, Private Sector, 

Development Partners, 

Academia, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

I am pleased to join you today for this important national validation of The Gambia’s Draft Voluntary National Review (VNR) for 2025. I begin by congratulating the Government of The Gambia, especially the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, for demonstrating leadership and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Gambia’s decision to present its third VNR at the High-Level Political Forum in 2025 is a testament to the country’s steadfast commitment to the 2030 Agenda which have guided our collective efforts and actions to achieve sustainable human development since 2015. We acknowledge and welcome the integration of the SDGs into the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP) 2023–2027, along with sectoral and regional strategies, demonstrates a clear alignment of national priorities with global aspirations. According to Achim Steiner  UNDP Administrator ; “Real results will emerge when we realize the power of combined individual actions and voices to effect change.” This highlights the foundational role of collective ownership and public participation in implementing SDGs.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plays a technical leadership role in assisting countries with their VNR’s building upon other national development planning support it provides. As part of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, we consider the VNR to be an essential mechanism for monitoring and tracking progress towards the SDGs, as outlined in the 2030 Agenda. We enable countries evaluate their progress, identify gaps, and share lessons learned with the global community by facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations, providing technical support for report preparation, and supporting follow-up on the reviews. 

The 2025 VNR occurs at a critical midpoint in the global implementation of the Agenda 2030. It presents a timely opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved thus far and highlight remedial action for the challenges that must be collectively addressed to accelerate implementation. With only five years remaining and 17% of the targets reached, there is an increased urgency to renew our commitment. 

This review focuses on key areas under SDGs 3, 5, 8, 14, and 17, with particular emphasis on tracking trends and progress since the SDGs' inception in 2015.

One of the most encouraging aspects of The Gambia’s VNR is its whole-of-society approach. We commend the Government, civil society, the private sector, and communities for working together to create an inclusive ecosystem for sustainable development, that leaves no one behind.

We are also pleased to note tangible progress in key SDG areas:

• On SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), government efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality and improve adolescent health are well aligned with the RF-NDP, strengthening the foundation for long-term human development.

• On SDG 5 (Gender Equality), there are significant milestones such as the establishment of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, and the Women Enterprise Fund. These are strong signals of institutional commitment to empowering women and girls, though persistent challenges such as child marriage still need urgent attention.

• The Gambia is making deliberate efforts to leave no one behind—addressing social exclusion, discrimination, and stigma faced by women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. The recognition of older persons as contributors to national development is particularly commendable.

• On SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), despite recent global shocks, The Gambia has maintained economic growth, with projections reaching 5.8% in 2024. The government’s focus on job creation, tackling youth unemployment, and supporting entrepreneurship reflects a bold and forward-looking development agenda.

• On SDG 14 (Life Below Water), The Gambia is using ecosystem-based approaches to manage marine resources sustainably, combat illegal fishing, and enhance the fisheries sector’s contribution to GDP.

• And on SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the Government is making strides in coordinating and mobilizing resources through the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF), fostering stronger alignment between financing and SDG priorities.

UNDP is proud to be a partner in this journey—providing technical and financial support in the drafting of the VNR. Further, we are pleased to have supported the development and implementation of the INFF which is a crucial part of the VNR in steering The Gambia’s implementation of the SDGs in the next five years. This effort complements other evidence-based strategies like the National Human Development Report currently under preparation by UNDP.

As we validate the draft VNR today, let us work together to ensure it reflects the voices and aspirations of all Gambians, including policy leaders, civil society, youth and grassroots communities. This VNR serve as a report, that catalyzes action, reflects our shared progress, and provides a roadmap for a better future for all Gambians.

In closing, I thank you all for accepting the invitation to be here and encourage you to use this opportunity to actively engage and contribute to finalizing the report. 

I reaffirm UNDP’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Government and people of The Gambia in transforming their vision into action and translating plans into tangible results. Achieving the SDGs is a collective endeavour. I am confident that together we can create a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future for The Gambia through the follow up to the VNR.

Thank you.