Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow has reaffirmed The Gambia's commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation, multilateralism, and collective action in addressing global challenges. He made these remarks at a reception marking the 81st United Nations Day at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo. The event was attended by cabinet ministers, judges, members of the UN System in The Gambia, the diplomatic community, and heads of government departments.
The celebration, held under the theme "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All," renewed calls for shared commitment to peace, human dignity, and sustainable development. VP Jallow said that as The Gambia joins other countries in reaffirming its commitment to the UN Charter principles, development and human rights remain a shared responsibility, especially in the face of global challenges and uncertainties. He commended the United Nations Country Team for its continued support towards the implementation of the National Development Plan, 'YIRIWA' 2023–2027, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
VP Jallow described this year's celebration as significant, noting it underscores the urgent need for a United Nations that translates commitments into tangible improvements in people's lives. He emphasized that restoring trust requires transparency, accountability, effective delivery, and measurable results, calling for stronger partnerships to advance peace, human rights, and inclusive, sustainable development. The Vice President also stressed that together, through solidarity and shared responsibility, The Gambia can build a better world and leave no one behind.
UN Resident Coordinator Karl Frédérick Paul recalled that eighty-one years ago, the world faced a major choice: cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over devastation, and international law over arbitrary exercise of power. He referenced conflict-torn areas such as Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and other places where civilians bear the consequences of failures of peace. Paul noted that hunger, displacement, and fear continue to affect millions of lives, and climate disruption accelerates while development resources are limited.
Paul emphasized that at a time when humanity needs solidarity, trust is being tested, but that should not weaken commitment to multilateralism. Rather, it should remind us of the need for a UN that is more effective, more responsive, and accountable. He described The Gambia's 2017 democratic transition as formidable, noting the country has shown that a nation can confront painful chapters of its past without losing sight of its future.
The UN Resident Coordinator commended the government, Ministry of Justice, national institutions, and civil society for their determination in The Gambia's transitional justice journey. He noted that The Gambia has shown great courage towards truth, justice, and national healing, offering important lessons to Africa and the wider world. Paul also paid tribute to Gambians who have served under the UN flag, contributing to UN peacekeeping operations.
The event featured entertainment and video presentations on UN work, and an award was presented to Nfamara Cham, one of the longest-serving UN staff in The Gambia, having served since January 6, 1988. The Vice President and UN Resident Coordinator's remarks underscored the importance of partnerships and collective action in advancing global peace, human rights, and sustainable development. The Gambia's commitment to the UN Charter principles and its continued collaboration with the UN were also highlighted.
Key points
- VP Jallow reaffirms The Gambia's commitment to UN Charter principles.
- The 81st UN Day celebration in The Gambia calls for stronger partnerships to advance global peace and human rights.
- The UN Resident Coordinator highlights the need for a more effective, responsive, and accountable UN.
