The two-day summit, held on 16 and 17 July 2026, brings together representatives of UN Member States, international organisations, development partners and civil society to assess global progress in implementing the New Urban Agenda, adopted in 2016, and to chart a renewed course for sustainable urban development over the next decade.
Hon. Bah is accompanied by Permanent Secretary Ndey Marie Njie, Governor Ousman Bojang of the West Coast Region, Governor Lamin Saidykhan of the North Bank Region, and Bernard Mendy, Director of the American Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.
The delegation is being supported by The Gambia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations under the leadership of Ambassador Lamin Dibba, with the assistance of Deputy Head of Mission Fatou Njie Hydara, Counsellor Binta Jeng, Defence Attaché Colonel Alagie Sanneh and other mission staff.
The high-level meeting serves as a critical platform for governments to evaluate the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, review achievements and challenges since its adoption, and renew political commitments aimed at accelerating sustainable urban transformation. Discussions are also focused on identifying practical actions that will help countries create cities that are more inclusive, environmentally sustainable and economically resilient.
The summit has attracted 148 participants representing UN Member States, international organisations, development partners and civil society organisations, providing an opportunity to exchange best practices, strengthen international partnerships and mobilise collective action to address rapid urbanisation and its associated challenges.
The Gambia’s participation reflects the government’s continued commitment to promoting well-planned human settlements that are safe, inclusive and capable of supporting sustainable economic growth. It also demonstrates the country’s determination to align its national development agenda with the objectives of the New Urban Agenda and the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
As urban populations continue to grow across Africa, the meeting is expected to strengthen global cooperation and encourage countries to adopt innovative approaches to housing, infrastructure, land management, environmental protection and climate resilience.
For The Gambia, participation in the high-level review offers an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, attract technical support and share national experiences while reaffirming its resolve to ensure that urban development leaves no one behind and contributes to improving the quality of life for all citizens.
The New Urban Agenda is a global framework adopted by UN Member States in 2016 to guide sustainable urbanisation by promoting equitable access to housing, efficient land use, climate resilience, economic opportunities and improved living conditions for present and future generations.
