Four Years in Gabon: A Journey of Partnership, Resilience and Hope
When I arrived in Libreville in mid-2021 to lead the work of the United Nations in Gabon as the Resident Coordinator, I could not have imagined the intensity, complexity and richness the assignment would bring. Over the past four years, Gabon has undergone profound political and social transformations. Leading the UN Country Team as the most senior UN official in the country and representative of the UN Secretary-General on development, during such a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, I have strived to ensure that we, as the UN, effectively support Gabon’s aspirations to deliver durable peace and sustainable prosperity for its people.
Accelerating the SDGs through Partnerships
From the outset, our focus was on accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through stronger coordination, national ownership and partnerships rooted in trust. Together with the Government, civil society, youth and women’s groups and international partners, we worked to align the UN’s priorities with Gabon’s national ambitions.
Our joint efforts gained momentum with the launch of the 2023-2027 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), co-created with national counterparts and partners. It became our shared roadmap to support a more vigorous and inclusive economy, stronger institutions, improved public services and environmental sustainability.
Building Stronger for All
The COVID-19 pandemic has left significant scars on livelihoods, systems and communities. Emerging from this crisis, our immediate task was to support recovery and accelerate the economy's diversification. By helping stimulate economic growth and fostering inclusion, our aim was to ensure no one was left behind as the country embraced a long-term sustainable development pathway.
Through enhanced multi-agency collaboration, we helped strengthen health and education services, expand social protection, agricultural practices and supply chains, and boost entrepreneurship, particularly for young people and women.
Through joint advocacy, the UN in Gabon team supported national initiatives to secure the return of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, under the GC7 grant cycle. This resulted in a vital allocation of over €8 million to address the three diseases, alongside an additional €3.5 million dedicated to strengthening the national health system—an important achievement given the persistent challenges of resource mobilisation in a middle-income context.
Delivering for People and Planet
Another notable example during my tenure has been a catalytic SDG Fund-supported initiative that enabled the issuance of over 30,000 birth certificates to children and adults previously without legal identity, thereby granting them access to essential social services, including healthcare, education and social protection.
Gabon’s unique role in global climate governance required sustained advocacy and technical backing. As one of the world’s most forest-rich countries, Gabon’s leadership in protecting biodiversity and carbon stocks is unmatched. The UN supported the Government in valuing its natural capital, navigating complex climate finance mechanisms, and engaging in global fora with a unified voice.
Navigating the Political Transition: A Call for Inclusive Governance
As Gabon underwent a military transition in August 2023, against a backdrop of uncertainty and public demand for change, the UN’s convening power and impartial presence proved vital. Leveraging my trusted offices as the Resident Coordinator, we maintained steady dialogue with the transitional authorities while advocating for inclusive governance, human rights and a clear path back to constitutional order. Our engagement embodied the founding principles of the United Nations, underpinned by transparency, collaboration and a shared vision for peace and development.
As we carefully worked with stakeholders at all levels, I was constantly reminded of the importance of listening—to the hopes of young people seeking better prospects, to the determination of women striving for equality and to the voices of local actors working tirelessly in their communities. These voices guided us, challenged us and inspired the systemic support we were able to provide.
Upholding Human Rights and Inclusion
Human rights remained at the heart of our engagement. We worked closely with the National Human Rights Commission, government ministries and civil society organizations to promote access to justice, civic space and gender equality. We encouraged inclusive dialogue platforms and supported initiatives to prevent gender-based violence, while mainstreaming human rights in our programmatic efforts. Our aim was to ensure that the transition would be anchored not only in political reform but also in dignity, accountability and social equity.
Strengthening Institutions and Partnerships
Through this trust, openness and neutrality the UN in Gabon established itself as a strategic, cross-sectoral ally across the country. One of the most rewarding aspects of my tenure has been the partnerships we cultivated with Gabonese institutions—from ministries to Parliament to national statistical and human rights bodies. We also deepened partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and the academic community, paving the way for innovation and diversified financing solutions. This included the development of an operational Road Map on Financing for Development and preparations for a forthcoming national forum aimed at enhancing private sector engagement in the implementation of the SDGs.
I also facilitated the establishment of coordination platforms with the Government and with technical and financial partners, aimed at enhancing the alignment of external support with Gabon’s national development priorities. We stood alongside civil society, especially women- and youth-led organizations, providing the technical and advocacy support they need to contribute meaningfully to the transition.
A UN Team Committed to Reform
I am particularly proud of how the UN Country Team has risen to the occasion time and again—embracing reform, pooling expertise and breaking down silos. We built a team in the Resident Coordinator Office that was more agile, diverse, competent and engaged than ever. Amid funding constraints, we prioritised joint planning, shared analysis and strategic communication to amplify our collective impact. Our work grew beyond projects and programmes and became rooted in a common vision and values aligned with national priorities and multipronged relationships.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of so many individuals and institutions. I leave Gabon with a profound sense of gratitude—for the friendships forged, the trust earned and the lessons learned.
Sustainable development is not only about sound policies, strategic plans, rigorous monitoring and optimal investments. More importantly, it is about smart partnerships, strategic transformations and tangible impact. It is about people, participation and purpose.
Gabon is charting a new course, and its future remains full of promise. In this path, I firmly believe the UN will remain a steadfast partner to the country and its people.
This blog was written by UN Resident Coordinator in Gabon (2021-2025) Savina Ammassari. For more information about the UN's work in Gabon, click here.
