I am honoured to join you at the launch of the Insider Mediation Network in The Gambia. The launch provides us the opportunity to come together to once again reflect on how valuable insider mediation as an approach to peacebuilding empowers local actors to actively contribute to peacebuilding efforts within their own communities.  

I would like to express UNDP’s sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Interior, the Project Team and the European Union (EU) for this important partnership on Insider Mediation for Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding in The Gambia.   

Globally, the EU-UNDP Partnership project on Insider Mediation for Conflict prevention and peacebuilding was launched in 2012 to advance local leadership and ownership in the facilitation of dialogue and mediation efforts. The current phase of the partnership focuses on strengthening and sustaining capacities of Insider Mediators and boosting the leadership of women and youth in peace processes.  Six priority countries have been selected to receive support for gender and youth inclusive local Insider Mediation initiatives. I am pleased to note that The Gambia is one of these priority countries. 

Over the years, UNDP has remained steadfast in its commitment to building peace by partnering with member states. This dedication aligns with the recently concluded United Nations Pact for the Future, which seeks to enhance national ownership and strengthen states' capacities to develop and implement prevention strategies that address the root causes of violence and conflict. Furthermore, our work is closely aligned with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 2250 on Women, Peace and Security as well as Youth, Peace, and Security which underscore the value of women’s and young people’s leadership and meaningful participation in conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts. 

These aspirations are clearly outlined in UNDP The Gambia’s Country Programme Document (2024–2028) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, both of which emphasize building local capacities for conflict resolution. This is central to the successful implementation of the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan—the “YIRIWAA.” 

Through the EU-UNDP partnership on the Insider Mediation project, UNDP has supported the Ministry of Interior and civil society organizations in strengthening the capacity of insider mediator networks across the country. I am pleased to note that 120 regional insider mediators—including women, youth, and persons with disabilities—have been selected through a participatory process. To ensure a fair and transparent selection, diverse group of regional and community stakeholders developed a comprehensive set of criteria, emphasizing key attributes such as impartiality, trustworthiness, eloquence, and strong communication skills. These criteria guided the selection process, leading to the appointment of the 120 insider mediators across The Gambia’s seven regions. It is truly gratifying to see these trusted mediators, who embody integrity and credibility, chosen to serve their communities at grassroots level through dialogue and conflict resolution. 

Inclusivity remains a central principle in UNDP’s programming, particularly in promoting inclusive conflict resolution processes that address the needs of diverse groups. With youth constituting 77% of the population and women making up 51%, I am therefore pleased that 58 women, 29 youth and 5 persons with disability constitute the120 regional insider mediators. This diverse representation will contribute to positive conflict prevention and resolution outcomes by fostering creativity and a broader understanding of complex issues, allowing for more effective solutions when various perspectives come together to tackle challenges. 

I take this opportunity to congratulate all the insider mediators and encourage you to use your unique understanding of the cultural diversity, social dynamics, and power structures to facilitate dialogue and bridge divides in pursuit of lasting peace in your respective communities. It is also my hope that your depth of contextual knowledge will enables you to tailor your mediation strategies to the specific needs and sensitivities of the conflicting parties. 

As we continue to support the realisation of the development aspirations of Gambians in the Yirriwa, strengthening partnerships for inclusive peacebuilding and community resilience will be crucial. 

I would like to therefore extend UNDP’s appreciation to the Ministry of Interior for its leadership in the coordination of the Insider Mediation initiatives, to the EU for the funding, and to the Insider mediation Project Technical Team for   implementing the project.   

As we inaugurate the Insider Mediator (IM) network today, I wish to reaffirm UNDP’s commitment towards enhancing Insider Mediation in the Gambia.