“It is a profound honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the National Assembly of the Republic of The Gambia,” he said, setting the tone for what would become a pointed appeal to fellow lawmakers.
Fofana warned that cities in the Global South are growing at an unprecedented pace, but without proper safeguards, they risk becoming ‘epicenters of climate vulnerability rather than hubs of prosperity.’
He stressed that parliamentarians must act as a bridge between global commitments and real change on the ground. “It is our duty to ensure that the ‘urban’ does not become synonymous with ‘unprotected’,” he said.
Highlighting The Gambia’s situation, he pointed to the country’s low-lying coastline and the threats facing Banjul and the Greater Banjul Area.
Rising sea levels and flash floods, he observed, are already putting pressure on communities, making traditional planning approaches no longer sufficient.
Fofana also outlined steps taken by the government, including the Zero Carbon Banjul Project, the National Adaptation Plan, ecosystem restoration efforts and ongoing land-use reforms.
Those, he said, reflect a shift toward climate-smart development.
Looking ahead, he urged NAM members to focus on legislative oversight, stronger budget support for climate action and sharing practical solutions.
“The brick and mortar of our future cities must be reinforced with the steel of political will.” he stated.
The forum was held under the theme – ‘The Role of Parliament in Ensuring Climate-Resilient Urbanization’.
