The Gambia presented progress reports on the Sustainable Development Goals during the High-Level Political Forum at United Nations Headquarters from July 21 to 24, 2025. Finance Minister Seedy Keita led the delegation alongside Health Minister Ahmad Lamin Samateh, Gender Minister Fatou Kinteh, and Permanent Secretary Illo Jallow. The West African nation joined 38 other countries showcasing national development achievements through Voluntary National Review presentations. Government officials, academics, and representatives from civil society attended the four-day gathering.
Minister Kinteh addressed demographic challenges affecting gender equality during a roundtable discussion on July 22. The SWEDD+ initiative targets adolescent girls and young women, who represent over 60 percent of the population, alongside women comprising 52 percent of the overall population. Early marriage, illiteracy, and poverty remain persistent obstacles requiring immediate attention. The program will provide sexual health education and vocational training to 52,000 girls, while also supporting their school re-entry and entrepreneurship development. Maternal mortality rates of 289 deaths per 100,000 births highlight ongoing healthcare deficiencies despite government commitments to achieve sustainable development targets.
Minister Kinteh addressed demographic challenges affecting gender equality during a roundtable discussion on July 22. The SWEDD+ initiative targets adolescent girls and young women, who represent over 60 percent of the population, alongside women comprising 52 percent of the overall population. Early marriage, illiteracy, and poverty remain persistent obstacles requiring immediate attention. The program will provide sexual health education and vocational training to 52,000 girls, while also supporting their school re-entry and entrepreneurship development. Maternal mortality rates of 289 deaths per 100,000 births highlight ongoing healthcare deficiencies despite government commitments to achieve sustainable development targets.
