In his opening remarks, Director of the Climate Change Secretariat, Lamin S. Jammeh, reflected on The Gambia’s track record, noting:
“The Gambia has never defaulted in submitting our NDCs. Each submission has been more ambitious than the last, but ambition must be backed by financing and capacity. Without these, our goals remain aspirational.”
He stressed that NDC 3.0 must go beyond emission reduction targets to incorporate adaptation, loss and damage, transparency, and just transition measures, which directly influence the country’s socio-economic resilience.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MECCNAR, Baboucarr Zaidi Jallow, emphasised that the stocktaking process is transformational, not merely technical.
“Our NDC is not just a reporting requirement. It is a strategic blueprint for sustainable development, climate justice, and transformative economic growth,” he said, urging all stakeholders including the private sector, youth, and civil society to actively participate in shaping the country’s climate trajectory.
Senior UNEP Advisor, Rachid Ennassiri, highlighted the importance of clarity, ambition, and transparency, noting that consultations like this form the evidence base The Gambia will defend internationally and deliver domestically.
Climate consultant at BAASTEL, Mathieu Dumas, reminded participants that climate action is about resilience and opportunity, not just reducing greenhouse gases.
“You have an ambitious vision. This is about resilience, opportunity, and growth for every Gambian,” he said.
The workshop is expected to culminate in a detailed roadmap to guide NDC 3.0, ensuring The Gambia meets its climate targets while fostering sustainable development and economic growth.
