UN Deputy Secretary-General Reinforces Partnership with The Gambia to Accelerate SDG Progress and Youth Empowerment

The UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J Mohammed concluded a strategic visit to The Gambia on 7 July 2025, reinforcing the UN’s commitment to supporting the country's development priorities and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through strengthened partnerships and innovative local solutions. 

During her visit, the Deputy Secretary-General held crucial discussions with His Excellency the President, emphasizing mutual commitment to working together on Gambia's development priorities, SDG acceleration, and ongoing reform efforts. The engagements underscored the UN's dedication to supporting The Gambia's transformation agenda while ensuring alignment with global development frameworks.

"No single person or party can attain the SDGs," emphasized Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed. "It requires everyone's efforts from government leaders to grassroots communities, from international partners to local innovators."

The Deputy Secretary-General's comprehensive engagement included productive meetings with the First Lady, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, the UN Country Team, and members of the diplomatic community and development partners. These discussions focused on strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration across key priority areas including youth empowerment, gender equality, economic development, climate action, transitional justice, and the principle of leaving no one behind.

A highlight of the visit was the Deputy Secretary-General's tour of the Bakoteh Production and Innovation Centre, a flagship initiative under the Youth Empowerment Project representing a transformative partnership between the United Nations and Kanifing Municipal Council. The Centre exemplifies how local innovation can drive global progress, providing fully-funded training programs in sewing, weaving, and other marketable skills to young people, with a particular focus on empowering women, creating a production hub that bridges skills development with economic opportunity.  

During her visit, the Deputy Secretary-General witnessed firsthand how young women are being equipped with technical skills and entrepreneurial capabilities, transforming not only their individual prospects but contributing to broader community development and national economic growth. The success of the Center reflects effective partnership between international organizations, local government, and communities – a model that can be replicated and scaled across the country and region which can contribute meaningfully to global progress toward the 2030 Agenda.

Discussions with the diplomatic community and development partners emphasized the need for coordinated support that responds to local priorities while contributing to global development objectives, as well as using the upcoming reforms as opportunities, including the financing for the development. The engagement reinforced The Gambia's position as a country making significant strides in democratic governance, social inclusion, and sustainable development.

The Deputy Secretary-General's visit concluded with a renewed commitment of the United Nations to supporting The Gambia's development journey through enhanced partnership, innovative solutions, unwavering commitment to leaving no one behind and sustained collaboration to achieve the SDGs. As The Gambia continues its journey of reform, the UN remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower youth, advance gender equality, promote climate resilience and create sustainable opportunities for all Gambians.