President Adama Barrow of The Gambia called on the international community to strengthen efforts towards tackling global challenges, particularly those highlighted during the Summit of the Future.
He emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, poverty, transnational crimes, and conflicts.
Barrow urged reforms within the United Nations system, especially the Security Council, and international financial institutions to ensure a more inclusive and representative global order.
As a least developed country (LDC), Gambia faces numerous threats to its survival, which require international cooperation. Barrow called for global assistance in alleviating inequality, supporting economic growth, and increasing investment in capacity-building to manage debt burdens.
He also stressed the importance of bridging the digital divide and promoting technology transfer to spur development.
Recognising women’s vital role in socioeconomic progress, Barrow stated that empowering women fosters broader community development and inclusive growth.
Reflecting on Gambia’s international role, he mentioned the country’s support for the General Assembly resolution 77/276, seeking the International Court of Justice’s engagement on climate change obligations.
Domestically, Gambia remains committed to human rights and democracy, with institutions like the National Human Rights Commission ensuring citizens’ rights. Since 2017, Gambia has not recorded political prisoners or jailed journalists or human rights activists.
Notably, Gambia ranked third in Africa in the 2024 Global Expression Report for defending freedom of expression.
Turning to international conflicts, Barrow urged diplomacy to resolve crises in regions such as Palestine, Sudan, the Sahel, and Ukraine.
He called for an end to the destruction in Gaza, advocating for post-conflict reconstruction and economic improvements in the West Bank.
As Chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Barrow expressed his commitment to peaceful solutions in the Middle East and called for global efforts to respect migrant rights while discouraging irregular migration.
Watch the President’s full speech below….
