An International forum on localising the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) has kicked off in Banjul on Sunday.

The forum is aimed at promoting, collaborating and integrating sustainable development among member states within the sub-region.

The participating countries include The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia which are represented by government officials, stakeholders and business people.

Speaking at a press conference at the African Princess in Kololi, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Salimatou Touray described the forum as a pilot project and “its success will determine its replica in the future” adding that “there would also be cultural events to market out Gambia’s aims and aspirations to the world”.

Amadou Jaiteh, counsellor at the Permanent Mission of The Gambia to the UN, said one criteria of the Gambia hosting this event is because of its peacefulness, adding “our primary role is ensuring that we bring development to The Gambia”.

He said it would be important to talk about the 17 sustainable development goals but that these goals cannot be talked about in the absence of peace.

Alagie Fadera, director of Development Planning Ministry of Finance and Economics Affairs also welcomed the forum as a way to helping the Gambia to attain some its goals, adding that the Sustainable Development Goals are implemented at local levels.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba