The purpose of the validation is to provide stakeholders with the opportunity to review the document following its circulation to all stakeholders. It will also help to provide additional valuable inputs for consideration in the final document and include the validity and reliability of the data and information presented in the document.
Speaking during the validation, Baboucar Joof, the minister for Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, explained that the initiative to formulate a successor plan to NDP 2018 to 2021 demonstrates the government’s renewed commitment to the implementation of programmes and projects that would contribute to transforming the country for a more progressive, vibrant and inclusive society.
“The plan will be built on the gains registered by the previous NDP and incorporate the lessons learned during its implementations. Its formulation comes at a time when countries around the globe are still reeling from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the effect of the geopolitical crisis around the world, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war,” Joof stated.
Hassan Jallow, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Finance, also reiterated that the plan has undergone a highly consultative and inclusive process and all relevant stakeholders have been engaged throughout the country. PS Jallow stated that the stakeholders that participated in the consultations include ministries, departments, agencies, development partners, the private sector, Diaspora, and civil society organisations.
“The consultation provides a platform for stakeholders to provide inputs into the formulation of the plan. Once this plan is finalised and adopted, then the green recovery focus NDP will address the recovery needs of this country and provide avenues for development partners to align their development priorities to our country’s needs,” he said.
He added that the plan would also help address development challenges such as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change and the risk of debt stress.
Salimata Touray, the secretary general and head of Civil Servants, stated that the strategic objectives of the draft document are a combination of various consultative processes and the output of the sector working groups. She urged stakeholders to scrutinise the draft document and provide valuable input.
“Successful implementation of the plan requires strong institutional and human capacity at all levels. The role of the civil servant and the public sector in the effective implementation of the plan cannot be over-emphasised,” she reiterated.
Gorge Luanda spoke on behalf of the United Nations representative in The Gambia.
