The centre intends to contribute to the ongoing contributions and efforts in the development and enhancement of research and policy capacity within and outside The Gambia.
It is a fact that Universities around the globe have been the citadels of learning, knowledge production and dissemination on improved development programs and practices worldwide.
Cognisance of this, on October 12th, 2020, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) with the University of The Gambia (U.T.G.) in mainstreaming the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in its academic curricular, research programs and community engagement.
Sambou Nget, a representative of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), explained that the UTG SDG challenge is not merely an academic exercise, rather it is a celebration of innovation, collaboration and the unwavering commitment of the youth in to sustainable development.
Nget reminded that UNDP recogniszes the power of the young minds in driving positive change and so they are proud to support initiatives that empower students that address their own challenges.
This challenge, he added, provides a unique opportunity for students to learn their innovative solutions with the broader national development objectives, thus contributing to the sustainable development future of the country.
Ebrima Kinteh, Director of Development Planning Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, recalled that Gambia actively participated in the formulation and adoption of the SDGs in September 2015, when about 193 Member states including the Gambia, adopted the 17 Development Plans so as to facilitate the formation of the SDGs.
“The Gambia was among the 19 African countries selected for national consultation, the consultations were facilitated by a national tax force of governments, UN agencies, private sector, civil society representatives.”
