UNDP The Gambia's 2023-2024 Global Human Development Report : Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World

October 1, 2024

The national launch of the UNDP's Global Human Development Report (GHDR) for 2023-2024 in The Gambia is a significant milestone in fostering global cooperation amidst contemporary challenges. The event was well-attended by United Nations Country Team members, officials from the Government of The Gambia, partners and various stakeholders. This launch underscores the commitment to addressing global issues collectively and marks a pivotal moment in advancing sustainable development goals. The event underscored the report's critical role in guiding sustainable development efforts aligned with The Gambia's democratic governance and economic inclusion frameworks. In her opening remarks, Resident Representative Ms. Mandisa Mashologu emphasized the necessity of collective action to address disparities and build resilience, highlighting the GHDR's insights as particularly pertinent for Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

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Representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the GHDR's comprehensive analysis of global development challenges. They emphasized the urgent need for solidarity and cooperation in a polarized world, reaffirming The Gambia's commitment to leveraging collective capabilities for resilient futures. The keynote address by Honorable Salimatou Touray, Secretary General and Head of The Civil Service, further underscored the interconnectedness of global issues and advocating for trust-building and dialogue as essential pillars for achieving common goals. 

UNDP National Economist Binta Barry's presentation on the GHDR provided a stark overview of global trends, highlighting both record-high Human Development Index projections for 2023 and escalating inequality gaps. This underscored the pressing need for international cooperation to address shared challenges such as climate change, conflicts, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. High-level panel discussions contextualized the report within The Gambia's framework, featuring key stakeholders including the Minister of Youth and Sports, Former Vice President, civil society representatives, academia from the University of The Gambia, Women's Chamber of Commerce, and youth representatives. They delved into strategies for inclusive development, stressing the importance of empowering marginalized communities, enhancing civil society's governance role, and fostering private sector engagement to ensure equitable growth across all sectors.

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In her closing remarks, the RR reaffirmed the GHDR's role as a catalyst for dialogue and actionable solutions, emphasizing the importance of launching The Gambia's upcoming National Human Development Report for 2024-2025. This report will serve as a critical tool to investigate and address the gridlocks identified during the high-level discussions on youth unemployment in The Gambia.