Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (TANGO) marked a milestone on December 19 by hosting its first-ever end-of-year convergence. The event brought together civil society actors, members of the media, and international partners under the theme “Strengthening partnerships for sustainable development, empowering civil society to address poverty, and building a unified future.”

Addressing the gathering, TANGO Chairperson Yadicon Njie reflected on the significance of the event. “This convergence is not only a celebration of our successes but also an opportunity to look inward and critically examine the challenges we continue to face and work on resolving them. The world around us is rapidly changing, and civil society must adapt to meet the demands of the future. We are called to innovate, to pull new technologies, and to deepen our engagement with communities to ensure that our work remains relevant and impactful,” she said.

Njie highlighted the importance of the gathering as the first of its kind, allowing TANGO and its partners to reflect on shared milestones and strengthen their resolve to overcome challenges.

TANGO’s executive director reiterated the organization’s commitment to amplifying marginalized voices through collaboration. “Over the past year, we have worked hand in hand with organizations large and small, governmental and non-governmental, and international partners alike. This convergence is a celebration of those efforts and a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose,” the Director noted.

A Celebration of Collective Action

The Deputy Chief of Mission at the event praised the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in successfully defending The Gambia’s 2015 ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) this year. “This victory shows the power of unity and collective action in driving meaningful change,” the Deputy Chief remarked, underscoring the impact of collaboration, communication, and coordination.

UN Resident Coordinator Karl Frederick Paul emphasized the indispensable role of TANGO and the organizations it represents in advancing sustainable development. “The global recognition of sustainable development demands collaboration, constructive engagement, and strategic planning,” he said, adding that TANGO’s work is irreplaceable in addressing pressing societal challenges.

Gender Equality and Empowerment at the Forefront

Representatives from The Gambia’s Ministry of Gender commended NGOs for prioritizing the empowerment of women, support for children, and protection of the most vulnerable in society. “Their collective efforts are key to achieving gender equality and fostering a more inclusive society for all,” the Ministry stated.

The inaugural event served as a platform to celebrate achievements, renew partnerships, and align strategies for the year ahead. As the convergence concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to a unified future and the continued pursuit of sustainable development goals.