UN Resident Coordinator's Statement at the Official Opening of UN @75 Kotu Park

The Mayor KMC, Talib Bensouda 

Representatives of the Kanifing Municipal Council,

UN colleagues,

Community members,

Young People,

The Media,

Good Morning to you all,

It is with great pride that I stand before you today to officially open the UN @75 Kotu Park. This magnificent space represents not just physical infrastructure, but a powerful symbol of partnership, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.

This park embodies the UN's commitment to meaningful action at the local level. What makes this project truly special is that it was built entirely by young Gambians. Through our cash-for-work program, these talented youth constructed the perimeter fence using Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks - a sustainable building technique that honors both innovation and environmental responsibility. In the process, forty young people received valuable training on the production of Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks that will serve them throughout their careers.

The park features numerous sustainable elements: solar-powered boreholes and lighting, an aquatic pond that enhances biodiversity, child-friendly toilets, playgrounds that invite our youngest community members to enjoy recreation, and fitness equipment accessible to all. These features combine to create a multipurpose space that promotes well-being across generations. This project directly supports the green transformation priorities outlined in the National Development Plan, from renewable energy utilization to biodiversity conservation.

Our vision for this park extends far beyond its physical attributes. We see it as a safe haven where young people can gather, exchange ideas, build relationships, and contribute meaningfully to community development. In a world increasingly divided by screens and distance, spaces like these foster the human connections that remain vital to social cohesion and innovation.

I must express our profound gratitude to the Kanifing Municipal Council for allowing us the opportunity to work together and make this space better. Your commitment to community development has made this project possible. I also thank all UN agencies that contributed their expertise and resources - particularly the Resident Coordinator's Office, the International Trade Centre, UNFPA, UNDP, and UNICEF. This project exemplifies what we can achieve when we work together and deliver as one.

As we officially open this park today, I encourage everyone to embrace it as your own. Use it respectfully, protect it diligently, and allow it to become a centerpiece of community life. The true measure of this park's success will be in how it serves the people of this community for generations to come.

Thank you for your kind attention