(Jollofnews) – The Gambia on Tuesday joined the rest of the world to celebrate UN Day, marking 72 years since the organisation was formed in the aftermath of World War II. This year’s event , which is centred on the theme “Building Peaceful and Inclusive Societies for Sustainable in The Gambia Our Roles and Responsibilities,” was punctuated with a colourful ceremony held at Kairaba Beach Hotel, Kololi, as local and foreign dignitaries graced the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the United Nations Resident Coordinator Ms Ade Mamonyane Lekoetje reiterated the commitment of the UN country team to support government in its efforts to sustain peace and build an inclusive society in New Gambia.
“In line with SDG 16, we commit to promote peace, inclusiveness, justice for all and support the building of effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels in this country,” she said.
Ms Lekoetje, who also doubles as UNDP Resident Representative, recalled the role UN actually played in the holding in August of nation-wide consultations on the design and establishment of the proposed Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
She further indicated that the current UN Development Assistance Framework (2016-2021) covers a wide-ranging sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, health, education , youth and women empowerment, private sectors etc.
“The UN is already working with the EU and World Bank to support the government to hold a donor’s round table conférence early next year to mobilize resources for the implementation of NDP,” she disclosed.
For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Ousainou Darboe seized the opportunity to renew government determination to re-engage institutions and
international organisations.
“It shall be recalled that 22 years of isolationist foreign policies did nothing but damage The Gambia’s image on the world stage,” he said.
In the wake of the restoration of democracy, good governance and rule of law, Darboe clearly stated that our goal is to mend those broken alliances, forge new ones and mais sure the country remain is relevant in all international platforms.
He then reminded the gathering that we live in an era of forming alliances as an imperative aspect of our collective resolve to attain world peace, eradicate poverty, and censure that people live dignified lives.
This holds true, he went on, when we revisit the political crisis that nearly consumed our nation in December 2016 and how our friends and the international community rescued Gambia at a time of great despair.
As the country’s foreign policy is taking a new shape, Foreign Affairs Minister recalled the initiatives taken by government to rescind its decision to withdraw from the Hague-based International Criminal Court
(ICC). He then noted that Gambia is at the final stages of re-joining the Commonwealth.
“Notably, in September of 2017, during the UN General Assembly, His Excellency the President, signed multiple United Nations treaties; a demonstration of political commitment on the part of the government to join the comity of nations that value the importance of humain rights and respect for the rule law.”
