Tangara on the Issues

Throughout my career, I’ve been in the service of people and communities. I am committed to building a stronger and more connected Commonwealth that prioritises the needs and interests of its member nations. The Commonwealth is a unique network of nations that share a common heritage and values, and we must leverage this strength to create new opportunities for growth, development, and cooperation in an unblemished democratic, and peaceful environment.

Climate change requires concerted efforts and commitment to address its menace. The Commonwealth is uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in this area, given the diversity of our member nations and the wide range of challenges they face. We will work to promote sustainable development, reduce carbon emissions, and support climate resilience in the most vulnerable countries.

As a longtime diplomat, I’ve seen the role of innovative strategies in the ever-evolving diplomatic landscape. Under my leadership, we will work to drive the Commonwealth forward by developing innovative strategies and initiatives to transfer skills and technology through technical assistance to support member nations’ ease and resolve the collective overarching education, economic, trade and climate-change challenges. Central to this effort will be a focus on the leveraging of modern technology to enhance opportunities for education, trade and economic development for small and disadvantaged member nations. The Commonwealth has the potential to be a powerful force for growth and prosperity, and we must work to unlock this potential by fostering greater trade and investment between member nations. We will also work to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, who are the engines of economic growth and job creation in many of our member states.

My vision for the Commonwealth is that of a dynamic organisation where climate change mitigation, promotion and protection of human rights and maintenance of peace and security are the sine qua non of sustainable trade and development - with a particular focus on small islands and developing states across the length and breadth of the organisation.

As we remain committed to our founding principles of democracy, promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law, the Good-Office of the Secretary-General must be strengthened to prevent conflict driven root causes, undemocratic governance and abuse of human rights. With secured tenure of service for secretariat staff and excellent transparent relationship with the civil society organizations and other relevant actors, we will be committed to promoting democratic values, protect human rights and support the development of strong and transparent institutions across the Commonwealth.

Coming from a youthful population of 64% age 30 and below in The Gambia, I understand the needs, aspirations and priorities of the young people of the Commonwealth member states. Therefore, the welfare and economic security of our youths are core enabler or driver of my plan, which is informed by the view to rebrand the Commonwealth from an institution commonly referred to as a ‘colonial institution’ or associated with the horrors of colonialism. The youth must play a central role in rebranding the Commonwealth as a historical institution built to bridge differences and foster the economic growth of states and citizens. Such values and objectives must not be limited to flowery words designed to promise hope from generation to generation. My team of advisers will include the youth for youthful insights and youthful programs, which will be implemented to directly impact youths across the Commonwealth.