Mayor of Banjul, Malick Lowe, champions local development agenda at Africa Regional Forum

Mayor Malick Lowe of Banjul, The Gambia, asserted the city’s commitment to sustainable development during day 2 of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development held in Addis Ababa.

The mayor’s address focused on Banjul’s Voluntary Local Review (VLR) initiative, aiming to enhance transparency and inclusivity in urban governance.

The forum, now in its 10th session, convened high-level discussions on accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063, underscoring the importance of robust data systems and local action.

Mayor Lowe emphasized the role of evidence-based tools, supported by UN Habitat and other agencies, to bridge gaps between the city administration and residents.

Mayor Lowe highlighted the transformative potential of the VLR, framing it as a milestone in Banjul’s journey towards sustainability and community-driven development.

The VLR process seeks to address local challenges and opportunities through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empowering stakeholders to shape the city’s development trajectory.

The mayor outlined the significance of the VLR as a catalyst for monitoring local actions, fostering community engagement, and aligning with The Gambia’s National Development Plan. He underscored the role of ongoing city projects, including the Crab Island Sustainable Development Centre and Green City initiative, as integral components of Banjul’s sustainable development strategy.

The VLR Taskforce meeting held in January 2024 laid the groundwork for stakeholder engagement and SDG alignment, garnering participation from government agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector representatives. Looking ahead, Banjul anticipates a Stakeholder Consultation Forum in May 2024 to deepen community involvement and ownership of the VLR process.

Mayor Lowe urged Banjul’s residents to embrace the VLR initiative, emphasizing its potential to drive impactful development and contribute to global efforts in localizing the SDGs.