Mahamadou Ceesay, Chairman of Basse Area Council, represented the Gambia Association of Local Government Authorities (GALGA) at the 2025 United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Council and the 10th Anniversary of UNIDO’s Bridge for Cities, highlighting the role of local governments in global peace and development.
In a keynote address, Ceesay emphasized that progress toward the SDG 2030 Agenda remains limited as long as injustices, including the ongoing crisis in Palestine, persist. He called on the international community to act decisively to support Gaza’s reconstruction and ensure justice and peace as fundamental pillars of sustainable development.
He further urged greater inclusion of local governments, youth, and women in decision-making processes, advocating for communities to be active participants rather than passive recipients of external aid.
The delegation also backed the launch of the Cities Voice for Gaza, a collective initiative aimed at solidarity and healing for affected communities. Ceesay thanked the Chinese Embassy in The Gambia and the Mayor of Xi’an for hosting the event.
