Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia will present its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development in July 2025, joining 38 other nations committed to showcasing their progress and challenges in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set for 2030.

This year’s HLPF theme, “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind,” underscores a critical phase for many countries as they navigate post-pandemic recovery and renewed global challenges.

The forum, under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), will focus on key SDGs that address health, gender equality, economic growth, marine life, and partnerships. The Gambia’s review is expected to highlight progress on SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 14 (life below water), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals), providing an in-depth look at how the nation is advancing in these critical areas despite facing significant development challenges.

According to a letter from ECOSOC President Bob Rae, the VNRs will be presented at the ministerial level, ensuring that senior government representatives from each nation will discuss their respective achievements and obstacles.

The Gambia, alongside countries like Germany, Ghana, and India, will use this opportunity to demonstrate the impacts of its policies on health, economic development, and gender equality, while also exploring the challenges in protecting marine ecosystems.

In December 2024, representatives from participating countries, including The Gambia, will attend a preparatory workshop to fine-tune their reports and share best practices.

This preparatory phase is critical for countries like The Gambia, which seeks to align its national strategies with global standards, especially in addressing SDG 8 for economic growth and SDG 5 for gender equality, where it has made strides but faces ongoing challenges.

As the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs approaches, the forum serves as a critical accountability and learning platform for UN Member States, including The Gambia, which aims to spotlight its sustainable development journey and mobilize additional support to overcome challenges.