This latest human development report is titled: 'A Matter of Choices: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI'. High profile personalities from government, civil society, academia and the diplomatic community were in attendance.
In her opening speech, Madisa Mashologu, UNDP The Gambia resident representative, highlighted that AI has reshaped economies, societies and public services. The report makes a clear call to ensure that its benefits are equitably shared, its governance inclusive, and that AI's use deepens and not divide human progress.
She stated: "Launching this report offers us the opportunity, a very tiny opportunity, to reflect over how we can harness emerging technologies to tackle our most depressing development challenges and help bridge long standing inequalities to accelerate achievements towards the SDGs."
In his remarks, the minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Prof. Pierre Gomez, underscored that this year’s Human Development Report arrives at a defining moment, saying that Artificial Intelligence, once the domain of science fiction, is now deeply embedded in the rhythms of our daily lives.
"It has entered our homes, our classrooms, our hospitals, and increasingly, our dreams and fears. The report issues a sobering but empowering message: AI is not destiny. It is a decision," he said.
Prof. Gomez noted that in this new AI frontier, we must move forward not alone, but together, with intentionality, with inclusion and with justice, adding that reminds that the choices people make today will shape their opportunities and freedoms of tomorrow. At stake is not only how we use AI, but whether we allow it to deepen inequality or become a force for equity. AI can be the great accelerator of progress, or the great divider of humanity.
Also, he noted that technology must not widen the gap between the powerful and the powerless. It must be used to close it.
Ebrima Darboe, deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, emphasised that the launch comes at a pivotal moment for The Gambia and the wider Africa.
He said: "As enshrined in the recovery-focused national development plan, especially under outcome 7.4 of pillar 7 - making the Gambia a digital nation - we are making strategic choices about how to harness digital transformation—not as an end in itself, but as a powerful enabler of human development, equity, and resilience."
He disclosed that at the Ministry, they are firmly prioritising artificial intelligence as a viable tool for empowerment, not exclusion, adding that they believe that AI must serve to enhance public service delivery, unlock youth potential, and drive inclusive economic growth.
He informed the gathering that the Ministry is actively advancing a comprehensive digital agenda that aligns with the aspirations of the Human Development Report, and also deeply engaged in regional and global dialogues to ensure that African voices and values shape the future of AI governance.
"As the 2025 HDR rightly reminds us, technology is not destiny—it is shaped by the choices we make. Let us choose to build a digital future that is inclusive, ethical, and anchored in human dignity. Let us ensure that AI and digital tools serve as bridges—not barriers—to opportunity," he said.
