STATEMENT BY THE RC CLOSING OF IRPT TRAINING

Director of Planning, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs,

Colleagues from UNECA,

Distinguished Participants, 

Good Afternoon, 

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we conclude this week of intensive training and collaboration on the Integrated Planning and Reporting Toolkit (IPRT), I am filled with a deep sense of optimism and determination. 

The progress made over these past few days is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Government of The Gambia to sustainable development and transformative growth. Through the digitalization of your Recovery Focused National Development Plan 2023-2027, the seamless alignment with global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063, and the integration of innovative financing mechanisms - you have demonstrated a shining example of integrated development planning.

This training has been more than just a technical exercise. It has represented a strengthening of the partnership between The Gambia and the United Nations system. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs for their visionary leadership in championing this agenda, as well as to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa for their steadfast technical support.

As the training concludes, I challenge each and every one of you to take this knowledge and translate it into tangible improvements in the lives of the Gambian people. Remember that behind every data point, every alignment, and every monitoring report, are real citizens whose wellbeing and prosperity are at the heart of our collective efforts.

The road ahead will no doubt present new challenges, but I am confident that with the tools and capabilities you have gained this week, The Gambia will be well-equipped to navigate these obstacles and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. 

Let us leave this training session emboldened by a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of how integrated development planning can drive transformative change. Together, we will ensure that The Gambia's development journey remains firmly on course, guided by data, driven by an unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063, and anchored in our shared vision of leaving no one behind.

Thank you, and may your continued efforts in integrated development planning bear abundant fruit for the people of The Gambia.