A
delegation of UN bodies made a courtesy call on His Excellency, President Adama
Barrow.
In
her remark the UNICEF West and Central Africa Regional Director, Ms
Marie-Pierre Poirier reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continue to support the
new government’s agenda.
Among
other issues, she urged the government to invest in children and youths and
provide employment creation that will strengthen social protection as well as
promote youth empowerment. She
commended The Gambia for meeting the target in controlling open defecation but
emphasized the need to consolidate the gains made.
Ms
Poirier reiterated the importance of continuing the fight against malaria, end
child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM/FC.)
UNFPA
Regional Director of West and Central Africa, Mr. Mabingue Ngom said UN is one
family and their visit was to give support to The Gambia. The discussions included the need for
partnership in resource mobilization. Mr
Ngom recalled the importance the African Union -AU attaches to the demographic
dividend and how it can help society. He
said in partnership with NEPAD, UNFPA is committed to investing in young
people, thus the need for the government to develop a road map. He requested for government to end Child
Marriage and FGM as matter of urgency to end century old cultural practices.
In
his response, President Barrow informed the UN team that his government will
embark on sectoral reforms but added that good laws will be maintained.
President
lamented on the negative consequences of Child Marriage and FGM, from a health
point of view but noted that these are culturally sensitive issues. He called for the population to be encouraged
to end the practices. President Barrow
also asserted that the government will cooperate with UN bodies and come up
with laws that will be sustained.
In
response to the youth empowerment issue, President Barrow said The Gambia has
changed and youths, who form 60% of population, were active in the change
process in bringing in the new government. The Gambian leader called for
partnership to create employment for youths, and he urged the partners to move
from what he puts as “commitment to action” for youths to realize their
contribution in political affairs.
President
Barrow appreciated the contribution of the youths in bringing about political
change and asserted “without them it would not have been easy. They were our
foot soldiers and provided protection to the political leaders.”
He
pledged his government’s political will to pursue the issues raised during the
courtesy call.
The
UN Country team that accompanied the West and Central Africa Regional Directors
included UNDP Resident Coordinator, Ade Lakoetje, UNICEF Representative, Sara
Beysolow Nyarti, UNFPA Head of Office in the Gambia, Kunle Adeniyi and other
local UN system officials.
Office
of the President
