RC Statement UNECA Integrated Planning and Reporting Toolkit (IPRT)

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my distinct honor to address you today at this crucial moment in our shared journey toward sustainable development and transformative growth in The Gambia. We gather here at a pivotal time – as the 2030 Agenda passes its midpoint and Africa's Agenda 2063 enters its Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan phase.

The path before us is both challenging and promising. We find ourselves navigating through what has been aptly termed a 'polycrisis' – a confluence of challenges that has tested our resilience and, in some areas, reversed our hard-won progress. Yet, The Gambia's presence here today demonstrates our unwavering commitment to forging ahead, adapting our strategies, and strengthening our approach to integrated development planning.

The Recovery Focused National Development Plan 2023-2027, aptly named YIRIWAA, represents our nation's strategic response to these challenges. However, we recognize that having a plan is just the beginning. The real test lies in our ability to effectively implement it, align it with global and continental frameworks, and measure our progress with precision and transparency.

This is precisely why today's training on the Integrated Planning and Reporting Toolkit (IPRT) is of paramount importance. This innovative solution, developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, represents a significant leap forward in how we approach development planning and implementation. The IPRT is not merely a digital tool – it is a comprehensive platform that enables us to:

First, digitalize and streamline our national development planning processes, bringing efficiency and transparency to our efforts.

Second, ensure seamless alignment between our national priorities and the global commitments embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2063, and the Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries.

Third, through its new Integrated National Financing Framework module, establish clear links between our development ambitions and the financial resources required to achieve them – a critical capability in an era of constrained resources.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The complexity of today's development challenges demands sophisticated solutions. We can no longer afford to work in silos or rely on fragmented approaches. The IPRT represents our commitment to integrated planning, where national, sectoral, and sub-national plans work in harmony toward our shared objectives.

I am particularly encouraged by the enhanced features of the IPRT, which now include:

• Advanced monitoring and evaluation capabilities that will enable real-time tracking of our progress
• Improved sub-national planning integration, ensuring that development reaches every corner of our nation
• Sophisticated alignment tools that help us meet our commitments to the Doha Programme of Action

This training represents more than just a technical exercise. It is a testament to the strong partnership between The Gambia and the United Nations system. I want to express our profound gratitude to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa for their technical support and partnership in this endeavor.

I must also acknowledge the exemplary leadership of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs in championing integrated planning and development in The Gambia. Your commitment to excellence and innovation in public service continues to drive our nation forward.

As we embark on this week of intensive learning and collaboration, I challenge each participant to think beyond the technical aspects of the toolkit. Consider how this knowledge can be translated into tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens. Remember that behind every data point, every alignment exercise, and every monitoring report are real people whose lives we aim to improve.

The road ahead requires our continued dedication, innovation, and collaboration. The tools we acquire this week will be instrumental in helping us navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we can ensure that The Gambia's development journey remains on course, guided by data, driven by purpose, and anchored in our shared commitment to leaving no one behind.

I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this training translated into enhanced planning and implementation capabilities across our government institutions. Let us make the most of this opportunity to strengthen our capacity for integrated development planning and monitoring.

Thank you for your attention, and I wish you a productive and enlightening training session.