By Lamin Kujabi
While bidding farewell to the Gambian President His Excellency Adama Barrow, the outgoing Resident Representative of United Nations Development Programme in The Gambia,, Ms. Aissata De expressed gratitude for the space that has been given to UNDP and to the whole UN to contribute to the historic moment of the democratic transition of The Gambia.
She recalled that she assumed duty the President had priorities related to community development and how poor people will have access to basic social services, and that when the pandemic came, they tried to transform some challenges into opportunities while working closely in collaboration with UN agencies such as World Bank and WHO.
Ms. Aissata De further highlighted that for the first time in The Gambia, there is an oxygen that is produced to supply the whole country thanks to the support of its partner, Global Fund.
‘‘In terms of environment, The Gambia is number one in achieving the Paris Agreement in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC),’’ she attested.
‘‘When it comes to democratic transitions and reforms,’’ she continued, ‘’the National Human Rights Commission has been set up for the first time and we supported the process. The Gambia has opened a new chapter and the whole world is looking at The Gambia as a peaceful country, country of hope, a country of development and growth. I was here not only to say bye, but to reiterate the UNDP’s commitment in continuing this very strong collaboration’’.
Madam Dae said that they are committed to align with the priorities in the Green Recovery Focused NDP and to focus on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
