𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐋 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄

As part of our ongoing program in the People’s Republic of China, the Gambian delegation of Council leaders including the Deputy Mayor of Banjul, Hon. Abdou Aziz Dabakh Gaye visited the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, a remarkable space where the story of a city’s transformation is told not only through its past, but through vision, ambition, and long-term commitment to progress.

Shanghai’s journey, from a modest port city to one of the world’s most dynamic and forward-looking urban centres, stands as a testament to what deliberate planning and faithful execution can achieve. Every model, timeline, and immersive display reinforces a simple truth: great cities are not built by chance, they are built by choice.

For Hon. Gaye and the delegation, the visit offered deep insights into how Shanghai balances growth with sustainability, modernity with heritage, and technology with livability. It was a powerful reminder that for our councils back home, vision without action is just a dream, while action without vision is merely activity.

Together with colleagues from councils across The Gambia, the Deputy Mayor reaffirmed that the future we want for our communities is not something to wait for it is something we must plan for and build.