STATEMENT BY MS. SERAPHINE WAKANA VALIDATION OF THE UNSDCF

The Secretary General and Head of The Civil Service,

The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs

Cabinet Ministers,

Permanent Secretaries,

UN colleagues

Representatives of the diplomatic corps,

CSO’s,

The Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning to you all.

It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today as we gather to validate the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for The Gambia for the next five years. This framework is the result of collaborative efforts between the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), the Government of The Republic of The Gambia, and various stakeholders from the development, humanitarian, and peace sectors.

Today’s validation is the result of numerous engagements starting with a visioning exercise that brought us to together to start this very important process outlining UN support to The government and people of The Gambia as the UNDAF phases out after 6 years.

The UNSDCF represents our collective commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. It is firmly rooted in The Gambia's Green and Recovery focused National Development Plan (NDP) and is dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, the Cooperation Framework places strong emphasis on a human rights-based approach, gender equality, and people-focused practices, reflecting our profound commitment to inclusivity.

In the process of crafting the UNSDCF, we have considered potential conflict occurrences, ensuring comprehensive and integrated analysis to address root causes, risks, and vulnerabilities at all levels. We firmly believe in taking a comprehensive, integrated, and inclusive approach to development, which will enable us to create transformative change and leave no one behind.

Distinguished ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to highlight the key objectives of the UNSDCF:

Firstly, the Cooperation Framework will guide our collective response in assisting The Gambia to address national priorities and close gaps in its SDG journey, fostering economic evolution. We aim to remodel economic policies around sustainability, driving a comprehensive, diverse, and job-focused economic transformation that enhances citizens' rights and well-being while safeguarding the planet.

Secondly, the UNSDCF seeks to promote partnerships that catalyze transformative change, working closely with the government, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector. We recognize that collaboration and multi-stakeholder engagement are essential for achieving sustainable development.

Thirdly, we are committed to translating our shared commitment of leaving no one behind into meaningful, people-focused actions. The Cooperation Framework underscores inclusivity and support for the vulnerable, ensuring that the benefits of development reach all segments of society.

Lastly, the UNSDCF aims to equip the UN Country Team (UNCT) with the necessary tools to effectively implement the 2030 Agenda and the National Development Plan within the unique context of The Gambia.

To develop the UNSDCF, we relied on critical insights provided by the Common Country Analysis (CCA), the UNDAF evaluation report, and the Government Green Recovery focused National Development Plan (NDP). These documents enabled us to understand the root causes of crises, delineate stakeholders' roles across various sectors, and identify inequalities, discrimination, marginalization, and exclusion. Importantly, they shed light on the social, political, and economic development capacities and obstacles faced by different groups.

Grounded in this knowledge and guided by a robust theory of change, the UNSDCF envisions an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous Gambia where citizens live dignified lives, have fair access to quality services, and uphold environmental sustainability, human rights, and democratic governance.

To realize this vision, the UNSDCF identifies three strategic priorities:

1. Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Livelihoods.
2. Human Development, Social Inclusion, and People-Centered Governance.
3. Innovative and Integrated Development Financing and Strategic Partnerships.

These priorities will guide our actions and interventions over the next five years, as we strive to create a better future for the people of The Gambia.

In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to all those involved in the development of the UNSDCF. Your dedication and expertise have been instrumental in shaping this framework, which will serve as our roadmap towards achieving sustainable development in The Gambia.

Let us work together with renewed vigor and determination to ensure the successful implementation of the UNSDCF, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of the Gambian people.

Thank you.