Chief Minister Promises Support for Six-Year UN Development Initiative in Sierra Leone
By: Edward Dictionary Caulker
On July 26, 2024, Chief Minister David M. Sengeh made a significant commitment to the six-year United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Sierra Leone. This initiative aims to address critical challenges such as poverty alleviation, educational advancement, improved healthcare, gender equality, and environmental protection. The UNSDCF is designed to complement Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) and support key programs including “Feed Salone” and Human Capital Development. The overarching goal is to elevate Sierra Leone to a middle-income status by 2035.
During the ceremony, Sengeh highlighted the necessity of broad-based inclusivity and active engagement from all Sierra Leoneans to ensure the framework’s successful execution. He called for a unified effort to leverage the collective strengths of the nation’s diverse communities in achieving these ambitious goals.
Resident Coordinator Madam Seraphine Wakana also spoke, emphasizing the collaborative effort involving over 20 UN agencies and numerous stakeholders. She stressed that addressing pressing issues such as climate change and food security requires robust partnerships and coordinated action. Wakana reiterated that the success of the UNSDCF depends on a collaborative approach that brings together international and local resources.
The event featured contributions from various sectors, including representatives from education, healthcare, agriculture, and disability advocacy. Discussions included the need for comprehensive policies supporting child development, creating an inclusive society for people with disabilities, enhancing youth participation in decision-making processes, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices for long-term economic stability.
A dramatic skit at the event depicted the alignment of the UNSDCF with Sierra Leone’s national development plans, highlighting how the framework will integrate with existing strategies and initiatives. The ceremony concluded with a symbolic signing event, where Madam Wakana and the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, formalized the commitment. This signing symbolizes a shared dedication to driving progress and achieving the ambitious goals set forth in the UNSDCF.
