news and current affairs.
Ceesay calls for action at COP30 in Brazil
Speaking at the COP30 climate conference in Belem, Brazil, L-COY Gambia Coordinator Kaddijatou Ceesay declared that children and young people represent the future, with their fate being decided by current negotiations. Addressing world leaders on behalf of the global youth constituency, she called for urgent climate justice and an immediate global ceasefire to end armed conflicts. Ceesay demanded a full and equitable fossil fuel phase-out, alongside a new adaptation finance commitment that triples the Glasgow Pledge. She insisted that the principles of a just transition be made concrete through mechanisms grounded in labor and human rights. The youth advocate also criticized the presence of fossil fuel lobbyists, urging the adoption of...
Gambia workshop eyes justice, correctional reform
A workshop focused on justice and correctional reform was recently conducted by the National Human Rights Commission. The event, held at the Ocean Bay Hotel, received support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Office of National Security. Emmanuel Daniel Joof, the NHRC Chairperson, stated that security sector reform remains a central pillar of the nation's democratic transition. He emphasized that a professional and accountable security sector, which respects human rights, is fundamental for maintaining public trust and stability. Awa Joof Peters, representing the UNODC, commended the commission's leadership and urged continued collaboration toward a security...
BGT project holds Gambia mobility workshop
The Boosting Gambian Talents Project recently held a workshop designed to build partnerships for creating sustainable change. The event at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Center gathered stakeholders to co-develop a strategic Theory of Change framework. Rafaella Grecco Tonegutti, Coordinator of the Human Mobility Team, explained that the session was intended to link national and global ecosystems of mobility and entrepreneurship. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Fatou Kinda Jobe acknowledged the European Union and Enabel, the Belgian Development Agency, for their support, stating the initiative promotes entrepreneurship and economic empowerment while strengthening diaspora partnerships. Representing the Ministry of...
Spain STARUP aid reaches Gambian groups
A Spanish organization from the Canary Islands, the STARUP Foundation, has donated essential supplies to communities, schools, and orphanages in The Gambia. The handover ceremony at the Bakau Fire Station was attended by officials from the Spanish Embassy, several Gambian ministries, and local sports teams. Violeta Insa Sandoval, representing the Spanish Embassy, stated that the donation demonstrates Spanish solidarity and will assist families and children. She explained the supplies would help six orphanages and the National Nutrition Agency, provide bicycles to improve school access, and distribute sports equipment. STARUP Foundation President Sonja Arup reported that the shipment, their twelfth, contained over 3.5 million euros...
Gambia opens three higher education boards
The Gambian government has inaugurated three new boards to finance higher education, a move officials described as a landmark step for the nation. The newly launched entities are the Student Revolving Loan Scheme, the Tertiary and Higher Education Trust Fund, and the National Research and Innovation Fund. Professor Pere Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education, officially inaugurated the boards during a ceremony at the MoHERST Conference Hall in Kanifing. He characterized the initiative as a cornerstone for ensuring no student is excluded by financial hardship and for making universities centers of innovation. Dr. Jorjoh Ndure-Tambedou, Executive Director of the THET Fund, stated the fund would drive digital transformation and had a...
Gambia readies Youth Impact Summit Dec 27
Preparations are reportedly finalizing for an upcoming Youth Impact Summit in Gambia. The event, taking place at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Center, intends to create a collaborative platform for young people to aid national development. Organizer Ousman Haram explained that the gathering would host 500 participants, including young leaders and government representatives, focusing on the theme of youth leadership for transformative change. The one-day summit will include entrepreneurship pitches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, alongside the introduction of a new youth magazine. Another organizer, Fatoumatta, described the initiative as youth-driven, aiming to empower Gambian youth and foster partnerships with...
Barrow tours the Farafenni projects and hospital
President Adama Barrow recently inspected multiple development projects in Farafenni during a tour of the region. His itinerary included a visit to the Jah Oil cement factory in Farafenni Bereto, a facility anticipated to manufacture 100 cement bags daily, and which also displayed farming machinery for local rice cultivation. The President also examined the Africa50 project site, an initiative managed by Africa50 Mobility Company. This first project under the Asset Recycling Program concerns the management and maintenance of the Trans-Gambia Bridge, guided by a concession and shareholders' agreement with the Gambian government. Officials stated the project prioritizes operational efficiency, environmental protection, waste management...
Yunus Emre in Gambia widens Turkey's cultural ties
The Yunus Emre Institute in The Gambia is intensifying its efforts to enhance cultural and diplomatic relations with Turkey. Coordinator Talip Erdoğan reported that the institute, which opened seven months ago, is broadening its programs to fortify the long-standing bilateral friendship. He described the organization as a conduit for sharing Turkish language and culture while simultaneously celebrating Gambian heritage. Erdoğan identified Turkish cuisine as a particular area for development, noting its potential to attract more tourists. A Turkish culinary expert will provide instruction to selected Gambian chefs from various hotels, including the chef for the President. The program intends to fuse Turkish and Gambian recipes, creating...
Chelle says Nigeria will miss Ndidi vs DRC
Nigeria's head coach, Eric Chelle, acknowledged that the absence of Wilfred Ndidi will be a challenge for the team's final World Cup qualifying match against DR Congo. He described the midfielder as an important player whose experience and leadership would be missed. Chelle confirmed, however, that the situation would be managed with the team's deep roster. Ndidi is suspended for the crucial game after receiving his second yellow card of the qualifying series during the semi-final victory over Gabon. Brentford's Frank Onyeka is anticipated to replace him in the starting lineup for the encounter.
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