Gambia Calls For Debt Relief, Increased Financing for Poorest Nations at UN Meeting

By Isatou Sarr

The Gambia has called for increased development financing, sustainable debt solutions and greater digital inclusion for the world’s poorest countries during high-level engagements at the United Nations.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.

The Gambian delegation, led by Fatou Kinneh Jobe, Permanent Secretary II at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in committee meetings of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

During the Second Committee, which addressed economic and financial matters, Jobe delivered The Gambia’s national statement on the New Urban Agenda and information and communication technologies (ICTs) for sustainable development.

Speaking on behalf of the 45-member Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group, she also called for urgent international action on macroeconomic policy, development financing, poverty eradication, food security and operational activities for development.

The Gambia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Lamin B. Dibba, complemented these interventions by delivering statements on behalf of the LDC Group during discussions on the general debate and sustainable development.

According to the ministry, the interventions highlighted the need for agricultural transformation, sustainable urban development and stronger international cooperation to advance the development priorities of LDCs.

The delegation also addressed political matters at the Fourth Committee, which dealt with special political and decolonization issues.

Jobe reaffirmed The Gambia’s position on Western Sahara, expressing support for Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and backing the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as a basis for a peaceful political solution under UN auspices.

The ministry said the engagements reflected The Gambia’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy and its efforts to advance both the collective interests of LDCs and its national priorities within the UN system.

Other members of the delegation included Mustapha Sanyang, Director of Delivery at the Ministry of Public Service; Binta Jeng, Counsellor at The Gambia’s Permanent Mission in New York; Sheikh Jah, Counsellor at the Foreign Ministry; Fatoumatta Darboe, First Secretary; and Abie Sanneh, Second Secretary.