STATEMENT BY MS. SERAPHINE WAKANA UNDAF STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

The Secretary General & Head of The Civil Service,  

Honorable Cabinet Ministers,

Permanent Secretaries,

Colleagues from the DPG,

UN Heads of Agencies,

Representatives from The Private Sector and Civil Society,

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

All protocols respectfully observed,

On behalf of the United Nations system in The Gambia, I would like to express our appreciation for the good working relationship we have with the Government of The Gambia and other non-state development actors. This relationship is what made it possible for the UNCT to strategically support the set-out development aspirations for of The Government of The Gambia from 2017-2023.

Over the past several years, we have made significant strides towards achieving the sustainable development goals set forth by the United Nations. Through our collective efforts, we have advanced in areas such as poverty reduction, education, health, gender equality, environmental protection, and many others. This progress has been made possible by the dedication, expertise, and cooperation of each of you. We discussed ways to accelerate progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in The Gambia, including the need to enhance coordination, collaboration, and partnerships with key stakeholders. We also emphasized the importance of leaving no one behind and ensuring that the SDGs are achieved in an integrated and transformative manner.

As we gather today to have what is perhaps the last steering committee of the UNDAF, I cannot help but reflect on the many things we did together to improve the lives and livelihoods of every Gambian & non-Gambian resident in the country through the different financial, technical & humanitarian support rendered. Today, we will have the opportunity to review the performance of the UNDAF as well as get updates on the current status of the CF.

As you are aware, we kick started the formulation of a new CF in March paving the way for the UN to map out its strategic support to the country by aligning itself with the Green and Recovery focused NDP validated by government. I am pleased to inform you that work to develop the new CF is in progress and I am appreciative of the continued support & leadership government continues to provide throughout this process and I am confident that we will be able to have a new CF in June.

I also acknowledge and appreciate the strong collaboration with the donor community – the UN is an important instrument in the current multilateral system, and among its many functions, it supports Governments and their people on their development aspirations. All the financial resources used by the UN and all its agencies, are made available by donor Governments and their citizens, who choose to channel resources through the UN. So, thank you for your partnership in our common Development work and financing SDG implementation.

As we reflect on our progress and plan for the future, we must also acknowledge the persistent and urgent challenges that remain. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for continued investment in health systems and social protection, as well as the importance of resilient and sustainable economies. Climate change continues to pose a grave threat to our planet, and we must redouble our efforts to mitigate its impact and adapt to its effects.

Let us work together towards a shared vision of a prosperous and sustainable future for The Gambia. Thank you, and I look forward to having a productive and successful meeting.