In drives to present a comprehensive review of its progress toward achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while fostering partnerships and
strengthening its institutional capacity for sustainable development officials
of the Ministry of Finance recently organised a day sensitisation seminar for
disabled peoples’ organisation under the purview of the Gambia Federation of the
Disabled (GFD) . The event is also part of efforts to mainstream disabilities in
The Gambia in line with the National Disability Act which among others requires
inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of
development.
However during discussions persons with disabilities observed that their
conditions has not improved, and has ironically deteriorated, hence calling for
more recognition and improved conditions of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Participants at the seminar held at the GOVI Resource centre in Kanifing noted
that addressing health needs for PWDs is a major concern, adding that having
sign language interpreters is a major obstacle preventing deaf and hard of
hearing persons from accessing their quality health services. The situation
among others lead to wrong diagnosis, which can lead to health complications,
poor health conditions, and even death. PWDs at the seminar recommend the need
for Health care providers to know about disabilities; and that there is need for
a specialised hospitals for persons with disabilities PWDs noted that Section 28
of the PWD Act and Article 25 of UN Convention on the rights of persons with
disabilities highlights health care needs for PWDs, which should be felt, but
not address adequately in our health sector; PWDs also called on Government to
provide subvention for PWDs; PWDs also observed inequalities in the treatment of
PWDs against abled bodied persons, in societies and institutions, noting that
there is no equality between men and women, and between abled bodied and
disabled persons. Persons with disabilities also observed that PWDs find it
difficult to participate in politics, because when they attempt to get into
politics they are frame as oppositions, and their efforts are frustrated, and
are consequently prevented from accessing much needed support they should
benefit from to make ends meet, among others
. Mr Kebbah Jallow- Principal Planner at the Finance Ministry in his
presentation explained that The Gambia has received approval from the United
Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to submit its Voluntary National
Review (VNR) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2025. He states that
this will mark the country's third VNR, which will be presented at the
High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in July 2025 in New York. “The VNR serves as a
progress report to share The Gambia’s achievements, challenges, and lessons
learned in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” In Mr
Jallow’s presentation:
"To date, 366 VNRs have been conducted globally at the HLPF. A total of 191
countries have presented VNRs, with 138 having conducted more than one. Seven
countries have yet to present a VNR; 53 countries have presented one VNR; 107
countries have presented two; 25 countries have presented three; and Six
countries have presented four. The Gambia’s Status: The Gambia is among the 39
countries scheduled to present their VNRs at the HLPF in July 2025. This will
be The Gambia’s third VNR, highlighting its continued commitment to the SDGs.
The Objective of The Gambia’s VNR is to facilitate the sharing of experiences,
including successes, challenges, and lessons learned, to accelerate SDG
implementation; Provide a platform for partnerships by engaging major groups
and stakeholders; Strengthen government policies and institutions, while
mobilising multi-stakeholder support for SDG implementation; and Identify key
stakeholders whose expertise can be leveraged to fast-track SDG attainment.
Methodology for the VNR Process: The Gambia’s approach involves inclusive and
participatory consultations at multiple levels: -National Stakeholder Fora:
Engaging diverse stakeholders across sectors. -Consultations with Ministries,
Departments, and Agencies (MDAs): Ensuring alignment with national policies; -
Regional Consultations: Covering all regions of The Gambia for comprehensive
input; - Civil Society and Private Sector Engagement: Including
non-governmental actors in discussions; - Consultant Engagement: A consultant
will guide the entire process. Consultation Objectives aim to sensitise
stakeholders about the SDGs; Update participants on The Gambia’s progress in
implementing the SDGs; Gather stakeholder perceptions on SDG progress and
challenges; Enhance inclusivity and participation in the VNR process.
Institutional Framework for Coordination
To oversee and manage the VNR process effectively, The Gambia has established
several committees, namely - the National Steering Committee - led by the
Secretary-General and Head of Civil Service. This committee oversees overall
coordination. It includes representatives from government, UN agencies,
academia, private sector, civil society organisations (CSOs), and youth groups;
Core Technical Committee: Supports the National Steering Committee by managing
day-to-day operations of the VNR process; Data & Information Committee:
Responsible for collecting and collating data related to SDG implementation;
Outreach and Communication Committee: Manages outreach efforts and communication
strategies for the VNR process. Meanwhile PWDs during the group work of the
seminar called for more recognition, inclusion and mainstreaming of PWDs in all
spheres of national development. They noted that achievements has been recorded
to some extend at organisational level where women are being empowered and given
opportunities to hold leadership positions, but added that such trends need to
be reflected in parliamentary level.
GFD Chairman who doubles as Principal
Magistrate at the Banjul Magistrates' Court and the GFD Executive Director among
other board members, and representatives of various organisations of persons
with disabilities in The Gambia participated in the seminar, which also discussed about
the status of The Gambian fisheries resources, such as over-exploitation of
fisheries resources and illegal fisheries activities undermining the
sustainability of the fisheries industry, and recommended the need to ensure
that fisheries laws and regulations are enforced, and the matines be given equipments to monitor fishing activities, to ensure compliances.
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