The United Nations has recently paid tribute to one of The Gambia’s youngest diplomats at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Isatou Badjie was presented with a special award in recognition of her outstanding service as Vice-Coordinator of the African Group of Third Committee Experts at the United Nations.

The Third Committee is one of six main committees at the UN General Assembly.  It deals with human rights, humanitarian affairs and social matters that affect peoples all over the world.

The young diplomat was the vice coordinator for the African Group of the Third Committee from January to December 2018.

Isatou’s activities were mainly focused on the advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the promotion of the right to self- determination.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Banjul were among the first to congratulate her on their Facebook page.

One of their followers, Moe Jarju in the USA commented: “Congratulations!  Keep shining - so proud of you.”

Facebook user, Ebrima K Yarboe also wrote: “Congratulations dear sister Isatou Badjie. Keep making the nation proud!”

Isatou is the First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of The Gambia to the United Nations. She holds a Master’s Degree (Hons) in Politics and International Studies from the renowned School of Oriental and African Studies, the University of London in England.