This landmark initiative, with a budget of nine (9) million Euros and funded by the EU, aims to strengthen The Gambia's democratic transition, safeguard human rights, and enhance governance structures.
The EU-UNDP GREAT initiative emphasises citizen engagement, particularly the active involvement of women, youth, and marginalised groups. It seeks to empower civil society organisations, the private sector, and media to demand greater participation, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in governance processes.
The EU-UNDP GREAT initiative is also aligned with The Gambia's Green Recovery Focused National Development Plan (NDP) 2023-2027 Pillar II on Governance Reforms. It seeks to contribute to the nation's goal of achieving good governance, human rights respect, and empowering citizens through decentralisation and local governance.
During the presentation event, Ambassador Corrado Pampaloni stated: “The European Union was, is and will be firm in its commitment to supporting democracy, upholding human rights, and fostering good governance globally. With the GREAT Project we do – again – walk the talk.” He added: “The country serves as a regional and global example in times where alternative, regressive models expand across the region. The Gambia is on a path to be a recognised beacon of peace, stability and democracy and its success will be witnessed not only by The Gambian citizens but far beyond.”
The GREAT initiative’s project aims at strengthening and promoting democratic governance in The Gambia. The Specific objectives (outcomes) are threefold:
- The Constitution and legislation better provide for checks and balances, protect human rights and fundamental freedoms including rights of minorities and groups living in vulnerable situations -$3,179,733.
- Enhance effectiveness of transitional justice, rule of law and human rights mechanisms as per the transitional justice recommendations -$3,899,733.
- Strengthen effectiveness of local governance structures and services -$3,164,733.
The UNDP Resident Representative, Mandisa Mashologu during the event stated: “It is our shared commitment to enhancing social cohesion, national reconciliation, and an inclusive economy that benefits all Gambians. By investing in this project, we aim to see a future where: Young people, Women and People with disabilities (PWDs), hold a more equitable share of leadership positions, reflecting the 50% of the population they represent; Transitional justice is not just a concept but a reality, where victims find closure, and perpetrators are held accountable; and Local communities are empowered to make decisions that affect their lives, contributing to a more vibrant and participatory democracy.”
The EU-Great initiative’s theory of change envisioned is that initiative will support the Government to ensure that no citizen is left behind in the country's progress towards enhancing the democratic transition, consolidating inclusive governance institutions, systems, and processes, at national and local level, and promoting human rights, justice, and rule of law.
