Banjul, The Gambia, 17 July 2025 – Against a backdrop of complex challenges, deepening political transitions, and urgent calls for governance systems that deliver for its citizens, more than 200 political leaders, policymakers, representatives from civil society, youth and women organizations, and development partners will gather in Banjul for the first-ever Sahel Governance Forum, under the theme “The Future of Governance: (Re)building Social Cohesion and Public Trust”, from 30 – 31 July 2025.

Convened by the Government of the Republic of The Gambia, in collaboration with the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), International IDEA and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the forum arrives at a critical moment for the region. Despite its tremendous wealth in human, cultural, and natural resources, including homegrown governance models, the Sahel continues to face persistent insecurity, unconstitutional transitions, climate shocks, and growing social fragmentation.

“This Forum is a vital step toward redefining governance in the region,” said His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia. “The Gambia is proud to host this important forum and ensure the benefits of lasting peace and inclusive growth are within reach for all Sahelians,” he added.

Home to more than 350 million people, including one of the youngest and most dynamic populations in the world, the Sahel holds vast human and natural capital. Yet its potential remains largely untapped, held back by weakened institutions, political instability and violent extremism that have deepened mistrust and sparked growing calls from Sahelians for more inclusive, transparent and responsive governance. Amidst these challenges, the people of the Sahel have demonstrated resilience and the ability to develop new democratic governance pathways, claiming the agency of the people and the sovereignty of the State in managing public and development processes. From the public to the private sector and civil society, the Sahel has benefited from a rapid growth of community, youth, and women-led initiatives that are changing the discourse on peace and security.

“This Forum could not come at a more urgent time,” said His Excellency Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. “Across the Sahel, people are demanding governance that is not only effective, but also equitable and inclusive. This Forum is about listening, action, and reimagining governance so it truly delivers for all,” he added.

Recognizing that sustainable peace and development in the Sahel cannot be achieved without legitimate, transparent and participatory governance, the Forum aims to shift from reactive crisis response to preventive actions and long-term investment in state legitimacy, civic leadership and inclusive governance for sustainable peace and prosperity in the Sahel.

A key milestone will be the official launch of the flagship report, “The Future of Governance in the Sahel”, developed by UNDP, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and the Office of the Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel (OSCDS). The report draws on consultations and research conducted across the 10 countries under the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS), and presents a bold, citizen-informed roadmap to rebuild trust, strengthen justice systems, enhance economic governance, and elevate citizen participation.

“Inspired by the call for the UN to deliver as one, the conceptualization of the report was informed and guided by decades of working together to advance sustainable development in the Sahel,” said Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa. “The report is the result of extensive consultations, engagements and analysis by leading experts who researched, questioned and analyzed emerging trends, challenges, opportunities and lessons learnt on governance in the Sahel. It is a timely and useful contribution to ignite and deepen reflections, consolidate knowledge and explore policy options on rebuilding social cohesion and public trust in the Sahel,” she added.

Over two days, the forum will feature open and forward-looking conversations consisting of high-level dialogues with current and former Heads of State, intergenerational panels and thematic discussions with civil society, industry leaders and technical experts. The discussions will explore critical policy actions around eight key governance priorities:

• Strengthening citizen trust through accountable and responsive institutions
• Transforming leadership and governance during political transitions
• Harnessing natural resource governance for prosperity in the Sahel
• Promoting women and youth leadership for inclusive governance
• Advancing justice, the rule of law, and community security
• Fostering regionalism, cross-border cooperation, and economic governance
• Harnessing technology and demographics for future-smart governance
• Reimagining the social contract for peace, prosperity, and resilience

The Forum represents a collaborative push to ensure governance reform is prioritized and is expected to culminate in the adoption of a joint governance action plan, capturing key recommendations and outlining mechanisms for follow-up at national, regional, and international levels.

For media inquiries and requests for interviews, please contact:

• Lawrence Neba, Communications Analyst, UNDP Cameroon | lawrence.neba@undp.org
• Amie Bojang Sissoho, Director of Press and Public Relations, Office of the President, The Republic of The Gambia | absissoho@op.gov.gm, dpprop2017@gmail.com
• Ya Awa Touray, Communications Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Republic of The Gambia | awacee94@gmail.com
• Ikechukwu Eze, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation | ikechukwu.eze@gej.ng
• Mariam Njai, Communications Analyst, UNDP The Gambia | mariam.njai@undp.org
• Peace Carmen Ahouissou, Communications Specialist, UNDP Niger | peace-carmen.ahouissou@undp.org
• Ugochukwu Kingsley Ahuchaogu, Head of Communications and Regional Communications Analyst, UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa and UNDP Senegal | ugochukwu.kingsley@undp.org

Note to Editors:

About The Republic of The Gambia

The Office of the President’s primary responsibility is to champion and coordinate the implementation of government programmes. Given its leadership and mandate in policy development, evaluation, and decision-making, the effectiveness of the Office of the President has a significant impact on the performance of all other government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Learn more at: https://op.gov.gm

About the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation

The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, founded by the former President of Nigeria (2010-2015), is an independent non-governmental organization established in 2015 for the advancement of peace and prosperity on the African continent.

The foundation is dedicated to promoting peace and reconciliation, advancing democratic governance, advocating for inclusive governance and economic development, promoting citizens’ rights, and continental and national integration.

Learn more at: https://www.gejfoundation.org

About the United Nations Development Programme

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end poverty, inequality, and climate change. With a broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations build integrated and sustainable solutions for people and the planet.

Learn more at: www.undp.org/africa/waca

Follow the conversation: @Presidency_GMB @GEJFoundation @UNDPWACA @UNDPAfrica @UNDP_TheGambia @UNIS_Sahel

Hashtags: #SahelGovernanceForum #SGF2025