Gambiaj.com – (NEW YORK, United States) – At the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, The Gambia’s delegation has been making significant strides in advancing the country’s digital and health sectors through high-level engagements with international partners.
The Minister of Information, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, who also oversees the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, held a key bilateral meeting with Deemah AlYahya, Secretary General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO).
The discussions centered on The Gambia’s strategic role as a member of the DCO and the newly launched Digital Economy Navigator, a global tool designed to help nations assess their digital economy’s progress. This innovative tool enables countries like The Gambia to benchmark digital economy maturity, identify areas for growth, and streamline their digital transformation journey. Both parties explored potential avenues for expanding The Gambia’s digital transformation initiatives, which remain a priority for the country’s economic and technological future.
Minister Ceesay emphasized the importance of digital cooperation in positioning The Gambia as a leader in digital governance within West Africa. The meeting underlined the mutual commitment to deepening partnerships, with particular focus on areas such as digital infrastructure, e-government, and emerging technologies.
Additionally, The Gambia’s proactive engagement extended into the health sector as the government hosted its first-ever high-level meeting on digital health at the UNGA. Themed “Harnessing Digital Technologies for Non-Communicable Diseases: Catalyzing Country Action with Integrated Solutions for Health,” the event was organized by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the United Nations Interagency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The meeting brought together health ministers, UN agencies, and development partners to share insights and explore ways digital technologies can address NCDs.
Speaking at the event, The Gambia’s Minister of Health noted that the country’s commitment to embracing digital health solutions is crucial in improving healthcare outcomes. The meeting marked a milestone in advancing digital health technologies, showcasing The Gambia as a thought leader in leveraging technology to confront public health challenges.
These engagements reflect The Gambia’s dedication to harnessing the power of technology across sectors, aligning with global goals for sustainable development and positioning the nation at the forefront of digital and health innovation.