VP Jallow Reaffirms Gambia’s Commitment to Multilateralism at UN’s 80th Anniversary Commemoration

By Mariatou Ngum & Abdou Mbye

 

The Gambia has renewed its pledge to global cooperation, peace, and sustainable development as the
United Nations marks 80 years since its founding. Speaking at a high-level commemoration ceremony in
Banjul on Wednesday, Vice President Mohammed BS Jallow paid tribute to the UN as “humanity’s
collective resolve to forge peace, advance justice, and promote dignity for all.”
The event, held under the theme “Building Our Future Together,” brought together cabinet ministers,
senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, UN heads of agencies, civil society
organizations, and private-sector leaders.
Vice President Jallow described the UN as “the strongest proof of multilateralism,” noting that for eight
decades, the institution has united nations across continents to confront shared challenges. For The
Gambia, he said, the relationship with the UN has been one of “enduring partnership and deep mutual
respect.”
UN’s Impact on Gambia’s Development
Reflecting on the country’s 60-year membership in the UN, VP Jallow highlighted the organization’s vast contributions to national progress. He cited support in governance reforms, healthcare strengthening, education, agriculture, food security, women’s empowerment, youth development, climate resilience,
and economic stability.
He praised the work of various UN agencies, including UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, WFP, FAO, UNFPA,
UNESCO, IFAD, ITC, UNAIDS, UN Women, UN-Habitat, the World Bank, IMF, OHCHR, and others,
describing them as “tangible examples of global solidarity improving the lives of ordinary Gambians.”
The Vice President extended special appreciation to the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office for ensuring
effective coordination of UN interventions, aligning them with The Gambia’s national development
priorities.

Global Challenges Require Global Solutions
VP Jallow warned that despite notable progress—especially in maternal and child health, education
access, environmental conservation, and women’s empowerment—the world stands at a “critical
moment.”
He cited climate change, debt burdens, geopolitical tensions, and lingering global shocks as threats to
development gains.
He stressed that developing countries like The Gambia continue to spend more on debt servicing than
on essential social services, calling the situation “morally untenable and economically unsustainable.”
The Vice President welcomed the UN Secretary-General’s call for an SDG Stimulus and global financial
reforms, urging development partners to convert commitments into concrete action.
Youth as the Cornerstone of the Future
With young people forming the majority of The Gambia’s population, VP Jallow emphasized that the
theme “Building Our Future Together” must prioritize youth empowerment.
“They are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are its architects,” he said, calling for increased
investment in skills, education, innovation, and youth participation in decision-making.
Call for UN Reform and Renewed Multilateralism
Jallow expressed The Gambia’s full support for UN reforms that reflect 21st-century realities, including:
A more inclusive and representative Security Council
Greater voice for small states
Enhanced coordination among UN agencies
Deeper adherence to the UN Charter principles
He reminded the gathering that the vision of the UN—choosing dialogue over conflict and cooperation
over isolation—is as relevant today as in 1945.
A Shared Future
Concluding his address, VP Jallow reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to global partnership and
sustainable development.
“Building our future together is not merely a theme—it is an imperative,” he said. “On behalf of the
President and the people of The Gambia, we stand ready to work with the United Nations and all
member states to build a world of peace, prosperity, equity, and sustainability—where no one is left
behind.”

The ceremony marked yet another milestone in The Gambia’s long-standing collaboration with the UN, underscoring the nation’s dedication to multilateral solutions and shared progress.