RC Statement at The Banjul VLR Stakeholder Consultation Forum

Asalaam Alaikum.

Your Worship, Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. I am honoured to join you today at this crucial Stakeholder Consultation Forum for the Development of the Action-Oriented Voluntary Local Review for Banjul. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Mayor's office and all the entities involved in organizing this important event.

We gather here in Banjul, a city that embodies both the challenges and immense potential of urban centres in our pursuit of sustainable development.

With just six years away from 2030, the urgency of our mission intensifies. The global statistics are stark—only 17 per cent of the SDGs are on track worldwide. This underscores the critical need for SDG acceleration and keeping the SDG promise here in The Gambia.

Yet, here, in our cities and communities, the battle for sustainable development will be won or lost. I want to acknowledge the tireless work and dedication of The Gambia's local authorities in pursuing the 2030 Agenda. Your engagement and commitment to the success of the SDGs at the local level are both inspiring and crucial.

Like many coastal cities, Banjul faces unique challenges. The threat of rising sea levels, the impact of extreme weather events, and the pressures of rapid urbanisation are not abstract concepts here—they are daily realities.

But within these challenges lie opportunities for transformative change.

The Voluntary Local Review we are developing is a powerful tool for change. By aligning our local priorities with the global SDGs, we create a roadmap for action that can accelerate our progress towards the 2030 goals.

For instance, SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities and SDG 13 on climate action are particularly crucial for Banjul. The predicted sea level rise threatens to inundate Banjul and its port, groundwater resources and ecosystems. The temperature and sea-level rises will also pose higher risks of flooding, droughts, coastal erosion, food insecurity, damage to infrastructures, and losses to tourism and fishing.

Through this VLR process, we can identify specific, actionable steps to address issues like flood management, sustainable urban planning, and climate-resilient infrastructure. These actions will contribute directly to accelerating our progress on multiple SDGs.

The United Nations system is fully committed to supporting Banjul in this journey. Our collaboration -- bringing together the expertise of UN-Habitat, UNECA, UNDESA, and UCLG -- is a testament to the importance we place on local action.

This pilot project in Banjul is part of a broader initiative that includes Kanifing, Kuntaur, and Brikama. Together, these efforts will inform a comprehensive SDG Localization Country Programme for The Gambia, further accelerating our progress towards the 2030 Agenda.

But the success of this endeavour depends on you -- the stakeholders gathered here today. Each of you brings invaluable insights:

-   Our local and national government officials, you hold the keys to policy implementation and resource allocation.

-   Civil society leaders, your grassroots connections ensure we leave no one behind.

-   Private sector representatives, your innovation and resources are crucial for sustainable solutions.

-   Community members, your lived experiences guide us toward real, impactful change.

Over the next two days, as you review the 51 indicators across 12 SDGs, remember that each data point represents a story -- a challenge to overcome or an opportunity to seize. Your discussions will shape not just a document but also the future of Banjul and contribute to accelerating SDG progress across The Gambia.

I call upon each of you to:

1.  Engage actively in the discussions, bringing your unique perspectives.

2.  Think boldly about innovative solutions that can accelerate our progress.

3.  Commit to specific actions within your spheres of influence to support the implementation of the VLR findings.

4.  Foster new partnerships across sectors to create synergies and maximise impact.

By harnessing these qualities and working together, we can transform Banjul into a model of sustainable urban development -- not just for The Gambia but for Africa and the world.

Let us seize this moment, turn our discussions into decisive actions, and work tirelessly to ensure that when we look back in 2030, we can say with pride that Banjul led the way in localising and accelerating the SDGs, creating a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all.

In closing, I want to reiterate the unwavering commitment of the United Nations Country Team in The Gambia to supporting this vital work. We stand ready to continue partnering with the Mayor's office and all stakeholders present here today in turning the outcomes of this VLR into tangible progress for the people of Banjul.

Thank you. Abaraka. Let's make these two days count and accelerate our journey towards the SDGs.