United Nations in Sierra Leone

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Sierra Leone:

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19 March 2025

UNCT discusses with Chief Minister on efficient support to Govt’s development agenda .

On Thursday last week, UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana led the UN Country Team (UNCT) in a meeting with Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh. The UNCT, committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s Development Agenda, discussed global funding challenges, prioritization of development interventions, and alternative financing options.At State House, the RC commended the Government for ensuring prudent public financial management and accountability. She emphasized the UN’s readiness to explore alternative financial windows and innovations to support the country’s priorities.A key submission was for the Government to fully exploit opportunities from the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, regional economic communities, and other intergovernmental institutions to mobilize domestic resources and boost economic growth and revenue generation.The RC informed the Chief Minister of the upcoming mission to Sierra Leone by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Director of the Sub Regional Office for North Africa to support debt restructuring. She underscored the importance of the visit and the need for Sierra Leone's active participation in the upcoming UN International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain, in June.The Chief Minister welcomed the submissions and promised to convey them to the President and Vice President. He informed the RC that his office is leading an initiative on capital investment prioritization in collaboration with capital-intensive ministries. He also mentioned the development project prioritization that the government is adopting, which considers metrics such as impact and percentage of completion.English
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13 March 2025

Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana pledges inclusive support for Persons with Disabilities.

UN Resident Coordinator Pledges Inclusive Support for Persons with DisabilitiesOn Wednesday, the United Nations Resident Coordinator (RC) Seraphine Wakana pledged to be the voice to those who can support persons who have been left behind, especially those with disability, at the Mahanahiem Residential Rehabilitation Centre at Grafton, Freetown.During her field visit yesterday, she made this pledge, during which the Heads of Agency from UN Women and UNFPA, Setcheme Mongbo and Sibeso Mululuma, and colleagues from the Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) accompanied her. In her interaction at the facility after a tour that day, the RC said she hoped that her advocacy afterwards would go far and that the residents would be able to see the impact of the visit.She said the visit to what she described as a noble initiative supported by the One Family People (OFP) is "part of our work as the UN to take care of those that have been left behind." The visit by the RC and the two Heads of Agency was for her to also see the great work that OFP is doing in ensuring that the persons with disabilities, especially children with disabilities are not left behind, to engage with the children, caregivers, and staff at the orphanage, understand their needs and aspirations, and to identify potential partnerships and resources that can enhance the quality of life and opportunities for the children. She was also there to learn from those doing their best to lift those in need. "We will continue to engage to understand and see where we can support, "she said.The Centre is home to 42 residents, mostly orphans between the ages of 2 and 16 and with severe and multiple disabilities. According to Melrose Mariama Mboyawa, the Home Mother. Her mother opened the Centre, and she is now continuing with the legacy of her deceased mother. According to the Director of Operations, Samuel Macarthy, they also care for those without disability, including three pupils. Stigma and accusations of witchcraft are reasons why some of the residents have been abandoned, including last week when two kids left at the gate, he told the visiting team.Edward Emmanuel, the Executive Director of OFP, who was gracious to receive the RC and her team, said their goal is to reach more of those affected by disability and that, for him, "these children have shown great courage and strength, which is truly inspiring."The UN Sierra Leone has been engaged in different activities and programs related to disability inclusion, such as the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, which ensures that its outcomes and outputs include Persons with disabilities. Outcome 2: People in Sierra Leone, particularly the most vulnerable groups in rural and hard-to-reach areas, have equitable access to quality, gender-responsive essential and social protection services and decent job opportunities. Outcome 3: People in Sierra Leone enjoy transparent and accountable governance systems and economic transformation that guarantee peace, rights, and social cohesion, particularly among youth, women, and marginalized and vulnerable groups.This field visit represents a step towards fostering a more inclusive society for children with disabilities in Sierra Leone. By engaging directly with the children and caregivers at Mahanahiem Rehabilitation Center, the RC aims to create meaningful connections and drive impactful change., filtered_html

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28 February 2025

UN, in Collaboration with the Governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone, launches Cross-Border Peacebuilding project in Gola Forest Landscape

Yesterday the governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the UN representations in both countries, officially launched the GOLA-REAP (Resilience, Empowerment, Access, and Peacebuilding) project at Bo Waterside, Liberia. The event brought together government officials, representatives of the UN in Liberia and Sierra Leone, the Mano River Union Secretariat, local authorities, civil society organizations, and community representatives to enhance peacebuilding, sustainable livelihoods, and cross-border cooperation along the Liberia-Sierra Leone border.The GOLA-REAP project aims to strengthen social cohesion, improve border management, enhance local governance, and promote climate-smart agriculture as a means to mitigate conflict risks and foster economic resilience in the Gola Forest Landscape, a protected ecosystem shared between Liberia and Sierra Leone that supports biodiversity, livelihoods, and cross-border trade. Recognizing the need for deepened cross-border collaboration, GOLA-REAP is supported by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), the UN's leading financial instrument to invest in prevention and peacebuilding. The Fund supports joint UN responses to address critical peacebuilding opportunities, connecting development, humanitarian, human rights and peacebuilding initiatives. The Honourable Morie Lengor, Minister of Internal Affairs in Sierra Leone, linked the project’s planned activities in border communities to national development. "[Sierra Leone’s] 5 Big Game Changers and Feed Salone initiatives are more than just projects—they are a call to action for our communities to take ownership of sustainable resource management. By strengthening cross-border collaboration, we are fostering peace, resilience, and economic empowerment for the people of Sierra Leone and Liberia."Seraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator for Sierra Leone, opened her statement by thanking the Government of Liberia for hosting the event and commenting on the importance of the area. “Grand Cape Mount County plays a crucial role in regional peacebuilding efforts, crucial for the development of both countries,” she said. “The boundary between Sierra Leone and Liberia means you have a shared past, a shared present and a shared future, a future you are dedicating efforts towards making it better. Importantly, the boundary means shared peace.”Implementation of GOLA-REAP will be jointly led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in both countries, in partnership with national governments and in collaboration with local authorities, community representatives, civil society organizations, and regional institutions such as the Mano River Union (MRU). The project has already garnered support from key policymakers and peace advocates, who have highlighted the critical importance of this geographical area for sustained peace, security, and resilience in both countries and the potential of the project to prevent conflicts and sustain the peace in the region.Edward K. Mulbah, Deputy Minister for Research and Development Planning in Liberia, emphasized resilience. “The Gola Forest is a shared heritage and a pillar of peace, security, and economic resilience between our two nations. This is a testament to our commitment to sustainable development and regional cooperation."The GOLA-REAP project builds on the PBF cross-border peacebuilding efforts implemented between 2021-2024 in Sierra Leone and Guinea, in which WFP and IOM supported governments to strengthen civil institutions and evidence-based policies for conflict resolution and peaceful co-existence between cattle herders and crop farmers in border regions of the two countries.By enhancing collaboration and trust between local communities, forest rangers, border authorities, and national governments, the project aims to enable the prevention and peaceful resolution of community conflicts while advancing sustainable resource management in this important region.“Through GOLA-REAP, we have a unique opportunity to make the Gola Forest a lasting legacy—not just as a protected area, but as a model of cross-border peacebuilding, cooperation, and shared prosperity,” said UN Resident Coordinator for Liberia Christine N. Umutoni. “Let us seize this moment, work together, and turn our shared vision into reality.”The RC’s comments reinforced the themes of conservation and prosperity that were present throughout the session’s remarks from both high-level partners and community members."This forest is our heritage,” shared Lawrence V. Sherbo, Commissioner of Liberia’s Kongba District, during the event’s opening statements. “We must protect it for generations to come.” , filtered_html

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04 February 2025

Project to strength institutional capacity for Gender mainstreaming in Local Councils launched.

Through the UN Partnership for Gender Mainstreaming, UN Women, UNDP, in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s with funds from the Government of Iceland, launched the “Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Gender Mainstreaming in Local Councils project” last Thursday in Freetown. This initiative aims to enhance local councils' skills, knowledge, and resources to mainstream gender, effectively implement the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act 2022 and other gender-related laws, and raise awareness, including in hard-to-reach communities. The launch brought together Government Ministries, Department and Agencies, including the Ministries of Local Government and Community Affairs, Gender and Children’s Affairs, Social Welfare, and Finance, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community leaders and traditional authorities, Development partners, the Embassy of Iceland in Sierra Leone, United Nations Agencies and the Media. The project's six (6) months pilot phase will be implemented in 5 Districts in Sierra Leone-Western Rural, Port Loko, Bonthe, Moyamba, and Kambia Districts, covering 4 Chiefdoms and 10 communities per District. Delivering his Keynote Address, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Alfred Moi Jamiru, said, “We will continue to stress the need for gender-responsive Governance to ensure that the voices of women, girls, and marginalized groups are integrated into local decision-making. " He added that strengthening gender issues at the local councils is a major step in mainstreaming gender issues in Sierra Leone. "Gender Equality is at the forefront of all our work," says Ásdís Bjarnadóttir, Head of the Mission at the Embassy of Iceland in Freetown. While making a statement during the project launch, Ms. Seraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator, said, "It is a significant step forward advancing the implementation of the Gender Equality & Women's Empowerment Act 2022."Representing the Minister of Gender and Children Affairs, Mr. Bamie Sesay, Assistant Director of the Directorate of Gender, says, “Together with partners, we have capacitated 28-line Ministries on Gender Mainstreaming with support from development partners.” Adding that, the Ministry has established Gender Units in line with Ministries and has identified Gender focal points in all MDAs.According to Mariama Gbao, UN Women's Project Manager for UN Partnership and Gender Mainstreaming, the project will directly benefit local council staff and gender focal persons, traditional leaders, CSOs, community stakeholders, and vulnerable groups, including women and girls with disabilities, especially those in hard-to-reach communities.The UNDP programme Specialist under the Inclusive Democratic Governance Cluster, Aminata Wurie, said the main focus of the project is to strengthen the capacity of the local councils to ensure that gender mainstreaming is incorporated into their plans and that the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act is reflected in them. , filtered_html

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27 January 2025

4-yr Empowering Youth through Digital Technologies project launched in Freetown.

The United Nations through its Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana and the visiting International Trade Centre (ITC) Executive Director, Pamela Coke Hamilton, last Thursday joined the Government of Sierra Leone, represented by the Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh and the Deputy Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Nigeria in Sierra Leone, Ki-Hyun Baik, at the signing and launch of a four-year Empowering Youth through Digital Technologies project for young Sierra Leonean innovators and entrepreneurs.The ITC-implemented and KOICA-funded project, also known as READY SALONE, was launched at the Foreign Service Academy in Freetown. The Ministers of Youth Affairs, Trade and Industry, Communication and Innovation, youth innovators and entrepreneurs, and a representative from the University of Sierra Leone were in attendance.Speaking at the event, the Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana said that countries worldwide are increasingly integrating digital technologies into their economic frameworks, fostering new business models, and creating digital ecosystems that support entrepreneurship and job creation.In Sierra Leone, according to her, "digital transformation has the potential to trigger inclusive growth that will improve the life of her people, especially young people." Furthermore, she noted that the gains hoped to be achieved by yesterday's launch will address a vision of the United Nations through its Pact for the Future. The Pact is a United Nations document adopted in September 2024 as a comprehensive agreement to modernize international cooperation and prepare for future challenges, covering a wide range of issues, including Digital cooperation, that will increase the use of science in policymaking.ITC's Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, established that READY Salone aims to enable more young people to use digital technologies to grow their businesses, pursue entrepreneurship, create jobs, and improve social inclusion. She stressed that it is about fuelling the creative spark that drives many entrepreneurs and small business leaders to create something new—providing goods and services that help transform their communities, their country, and perhaps even the world. She said she cannot wait to welcome the first cohort of youth-led startups under READY Salone and that from what they are already seeing from the applications so far, it will be a very impressive group. The Executive Director also expressed gratitude for working closely with local government partners like the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, local BSOs, civil society groups, private sector organizations, and international partners like KOICA. Ki-Hyun Baik from KOICA said this significant milestone is a testament to a tripartite arrangement between the Governments of Korea, Sierra Leone, and ITC. The project will enable the youth to create jobs and take advantage of entrepreneurial opportunities, adding that the lion's share of the 10,00 beneficiaries of the project will be women and persons with disabilities, he noted.Minister of Trade and Industry Ibrahim Alpha Sesay stated that ITC has been a key partner in Sierra Leone's development, and the country has significantly benefited from this relationship. According to the Minister, the Government is ready to mobilize resources to provide job opportunities and skills for the youth.In his keynote address, Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh thanked KOICA for funding the projects, which resulted from conversations they started years ago and led to our current situation.She also spoke about the readiness of the country's and partners' partners to make the project succeed. "We will deliver on this project," the Chief Minister concluded.The project will work with youth and young entrepreneurs (with a particular focus on women), business support organizations, tech hubs, and policymakers to build capacities and conditions for Sierra Leonean youth to tap into digital economy opportunities.It will also increase economic opportunities for 3,000 young people and enable 250 MSMEs to access new markets through four intervention areas: Increasing the capacity of youth to use digital technologies, increasing the competitiveness of young entrepreneurs through digital, improving the services of business support organisations and tech hubs for youth and strengthening inclusive national strategies and policies for the digital economy. , filtered_html

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13 January 2025

UNFPA, UNECA & US Census Bureau technical experts in town on support mission for 2025 Census.

As Sierra Leone prepares for the Population and Housing Census, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in partnership with UNFPA Sierra Leone, is hosting a team of technical experts from UNFPA New York, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the United States Census Bureau on a weeklong assessment and support mission for the process, which will be held in December 2025.The mission, which started today and ends on Friday, will be a critical step in a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure a successful transition to a digital census.At the opening held at the New Broofields Hotel in Freetown this morning, the Statistician General Andrew Bob Johnny said that efficient management of a country's economic and social affairs rests on evidence-based decision-making. He emphasised that generating relevant, accurate, and timely statistics is essential to that purpose, and producing detailed statistics for small areas and small population groups is its foundation. Therefore, he welcomed the team of experts, noting that at the end of the mission, the government and donor partners would have identified strengths and weaknesses for support.World Bank Country Manager Abdou Muwonge congratulated the Government on what he described as a key activity that will lay the groundwork for the 2025 census and noted that planning is essential.The UNFPA Deputy Rep (Officer-in-Charge) Sibeso Muluma said her agency is well grounded in the process but called on partners to join the process. Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana said the endeavour marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone's journey toward understanding the evolving needs and aspirations of its diverse population." This census will help all stakeholders to identify gaps and opportunities, enabling a targeted approach to development that benefits all citizens," she said.The Resident Coordinator noted that collaboration is key in such a process as the assessment, which, according to her, is about identifying challenges and leveraging collective strengths and experiences.The RC concluded by reiterating the United Nations System's commitment to supporting the Government of Sierra Leone in undertaking a Census that meets international standards. The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr Chernor Bah, underscored the Government's support and commitment to a successful census. He said it is a civic imperative that the people should own, one that concerns our identity.In her keynote address, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Madam Kenyeh Barlay said the Government is prepared to carry the burden of Africa and conduct a successful census. She said the legislative and legal frameworks are in place and that the Government has also committed financially to the process.UNECA and the US Census Bureau made presentations highlighting the goals for supporting the census The mission's major focus is to review key census components, including logistics, technological infrastructure, legal frameworks, human resources, and stakeholder engagement. This will help identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring improvement and support to ensure the 2025 census aligns with international best practices for digital data collection. , filtered_html

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Press Release

01 April 2025

UN Sierra Leone Weekly Highlights - March 24-28

Govt, UN & Dev. Partners convene inaugural JSC on the new CF.As the Government of Sierra Leone, the UN Country Team, and Development partners commenced implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF or CF) for the next six years starting January this year, the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) Meeting, co-chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator and the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, met last week to review and approve the committee’s TOR and the 2025 Joint Work Plan.The purpose of the JSC is to provide strategic oversight and direction to the CF process and ensure its alignment to evolving country contexts, national, regional and international development processes, mechanisms and goals, and links with other processes such as the Voluntary National Review (VNRs). It will also support resource mobilisation as well as development financing opportunities, monitor progress, challenges, and opportunities and steer its implementation, including guidance on resource management.The CF is aligned with the Government of Sierra Leone's development priorities, reflecting efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030.In her opening remarks, RC Seraphine Wakana emphasised that the global context has changed due to funding issues during the first year of implementation and that the focus should be on new ways of working to see "how we can remain efficient and effective." She also reiterated the importance of strengthening reporting mechanisms for transparency.Minister Kenyeh Barlay noted that the process of developing the CF was participatory and expects that the collaboration will continue in that same manner. She recognised the 43% funding gap during year one of implementation and the need to step up resource mobilisation. "We should focus on innovative resource mobilisation strategies," she said.Presentations were made on the TOR, the Joint Work Plan, and its linkages to the Medium Term, National Development Plan, the SDGs, and other global agendas. The strategic discussions that followed these presentations centered on data, strengthening joint programmes, and continued resource mobilization, especially in the context of changing global priorities. See more stories in the folder. , filtered_html

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Press Release

24 March 2025

UN Sierra Leone Weekly Highlights - March 17-21

Res. Coordinator engages Min. of Planning on Salone’s Peacebuilding and Prevention Agenda.During the week, the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) led a team of UN colleagues, including UNDP’s Resident Representative, Fred Ampiah, and the technical team, in an engagement with the Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Madam Kenyeh Barlay to discuss Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding priorities. The discussion reflected on Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) support, the upcoming UN 4th international conference on Financing for Development and the Power of Data Initiative. The meeting set the pace for collaborative approaches to various processes in these three areas, which were discussed in detail.At the meeting, the RC commended the progress made by the country on peacebuilding initiatives, emphasizing the UN Country Team's commitment to supporting the government’s efforts towards prevention and sustaining peace. In a similar vein, the RC noted with interest the government’s discussions on financing for development, recalling the UN’s support tosupporting the government in exploring sustainable financing approaches, towards mid-term and long-term development.On the other hand, the minister underscored the government's commitment to peacebuilding and highlighted the importance of adopting a prevention approach to safeguard the peace gains in the country, further appreciating PBF for the support on the same. The minister also emphasized that stakeholders’ engagement is a crucial to redefining the efforts towards peacebuilding, enhance collaboration and impact. The Minister welcomed the UN’s collaboration, under the leadership of the RC’s office and UNDP, in the engagements related to the UN 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, highlighting that the government is keen on innovative financing for development. Further, the minister noted with keenness the progress made by key stakeholders, including the UN Country Team, in defining interventions around the Power of Data Initiative.Download the folder for more stories., filtered_html

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Press Release

17 March 2025

UN Sierra Leone Weekly Highlights - March 10-14

UNCT discusses with Chief Minister on efficient support to Govt’s development agenda .On Thursday, UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana led the UN Country Team (UNCT) in a meeting with Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh. The UNCT, committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s Development Agenda, discussed global funding challenges, prioritization of development interventions, and alternative financing options.At State House, the RC commended the Government for ensuring prudent public financial management and accountability. She emphasized the UN’s readiness to explore alternative financial windows and innovations to support the country’s priorities.A key submission was for the Government to fully exploit opportunities from the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, regional economic communities, and other intergovernmental institutions to mobilize domestic resources and boost economic growth and revenue generation.The RC informed the Chief Minister of the upcoming mission to Sierra Leone by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Director of the Sub Regional Office for North Africa to support debt restructuring. She underscored the importance of the visit and the need for Sierra Leone's active participation in the upcoming UN International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain, in June.The Chief Minister welcomed the submissions and promised to convey them to the President and Vice President. He informed the RC that his office is leading an initiative on capital investment prioritization in collaboration with capital-intensive ministries. He also mentioned the development project prioritization that the government is adopting, which considers metrics such as impact and percentage of completion., filtered_html

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Press Release

10 March 2025

UN Sierra Leone Weekly Highlights - March 3-7.

UN PBF Women's Land for Peace project launched.During the week, UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana thanked the UN Peacebuilding Fund for remaining steadfast in support towards gender equality and women empowerment in Sierra Leone. She did so at the launch of the project on "Women's Land for Peace", focusing on Women Leading Transformative Pathways to Peace Through Natural Resources Management. Speaking at the event held at the Family Kingdom in Freetown, she said that in the current context of the shrinking global funding landscape, the UN is keen to see the impact of the project in the communities in the target districts, in addition to the inspiring stories of change by the women.She reiterated the UN's commitment to working with the government, partners, civil society, the community, and the women of Sierra Leone to advance the women's, peace, and security agenda as guided by the Sierra Leone Third Generation National Action Plan for the Implementation of the United Nations Security Council 1325 and related instruments. The key implementing partners for the 24-month-long project include Green Scenery, Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD), Women's Network for Environmental Sustainability (WoNES), 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone, Barefoot Women Solar Engineer Association of Sierra Leone and IDT Labs.It will be implemented by the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, the National Land Commission, Local and Municipal councils, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion ICPNC, -Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).UN Salone Cooperation Framework to address women & girls' challenges.The new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, which the UN Country Team in Sierra Leone started implementing in January this year until 2030, will be used as a roadmap to address the challenges faced by women and girls and other development priorities in Sierra Leone. It was the message of the UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana at this year's International Women's Day celebration held in Freetown under the theme "For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." She said that with the new document, which complements the national priorities in the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030), the UN in Sierra Leone is committed to addressing these challenges through various initiatives. She noted specific programs aimed at economic empowerment, including the ChangeMakers program launched by UN Women, which focuses on gender equality and youth empowerment. Additionally, the GOLA-REAP (Resilience, Empowerment, Access, and Peacebuilding) project, which was launched recently for Sierra Leone and Liberia, aims to enhance sustainable livelihoods and economic resilience in border communities.The RC said these efforts are further strengthened through partnerships with local organisations. She emphasised that as the UN turns 80 this year, its commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment remains firm, even stronger than before. She called on all to stand up for women's rights and an equal world for all women and girls. To accelerate progress on SDG 5, Madam Wakana emphasised the need for an all-hands-on-deck approach, including the Government, Civil society, private and public sectors, development partners, and the community. She also reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to creating a society where every woman and girl can enjoy their rights, live free from violence and discrimination, and have equal opportunities to thrive.UNDP RR discusses unlocking Sierra Leone’s tourism potential with Egyptian Envoy. During the week, UNDP Sierra Leone was honored to host H.E. Rasha Soliman, Egyptian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, for a productive meeting with Resident Representative, Fredrick Ampiah and senior management, marking a key milestone in advancing South-South Cooperation, focusing on shared priorities. They explored ways to boost tourism through improved ferry transportation and hospitality services, leveraging Egypt’s renowned expertise to unlock Sierra Leone’s tourism potential. Discussions also explored potential capacity-building initiatives to strengthen Sierra Leone’s Foreign Service, empower persons with disabilities, and support women parliamentarians in leadership and governance. Additionally, both parties examined broader development cooperation opportunities to drive economic growth and social inclusion.UN Network on Migration & MoPED develop National Plan for Global Compact.The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, in collaboration with the UN Network on Migration and supported by IOM Sierra Leone, held a national consultative session in Freetown recently, aiming to develop a National Implementation Plan for the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) and establish a National Coordination Mechanism for Migration in Sierra Leone. Representatives from various sectors discussed enhancing inter-ministerial coordination and policy implementation. Supported by funding from the European Union, the session focused on maximizing migration benefits while addressing its challenges. The outcomes will guide a sustainable GCM National Implementation Plan, aligning closely with Sierra Leone's national development priorities.WFP celebrates African Day of School Feeding in Karene District.The 10th African Day of School Feeding was celebrated at Khulafai Rashideen Primary School in Sierra Leone’s Karene District, organized by the World Food Programme (WFP). The event, attended by the German Ambassador, Iceland’s Head of Mission, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, and other partners, highlighted the importance of school feeding programme in promoting education, nutrition, and agricultural development.With the theme: “A Decade of Nourishment: Celebrating the Past, Securing a Just Future.,” the celebration showcased the success of the Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) model, which connects school meals to local farming. Khulafai Rashideen, one of 384 schools benefiting from the programme, demonstrated how locally sourced, Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes (OFSP) and fresh vegetables provide nutritious meals for students while supporting smallholder farmers. A key highlight was the unveiling of an improved kitchen with fuel-efficient stoves and storage facilities, enhancing meal preparation safety and sustainability.The event emphasized stakeholder collaboration, with government officials and international partners reaffirming their commitment to supporting school feeding programme. These initiatives align with the African Union’s goals of improving food security, reducing poverty, and fostering economic growth. The celebration served as a call to action for continued investment in school feeding as a pathway to resilient, inclusive societies, showcasing the transformative power of community, government, and partner collaboration. The event also served as a key milestone in evaluating the progress made over the past decade in implementing school feeding programmes across the continent and reaffirming commitments to sustaining and scaling up these initiatives.UNFPA discusses 2025 priorities with Min. of Health's senior leadership.UNFPA recently held a consultative meeting with the senior leadership of the Ministry of Health in Freetown to discuss priorities for 2025 and ensure alignment with the Ministry's vision for the health sector. The consultation emphasized the strengthening of policy, legal, and financing frameworks to ensure improvements in RMNCAH outcomes. Key priorities included enhancing family planning services through supply chain management and demand generation, improving maternal health outcomes through SRH Service Integration youth and adolescent responsive SRH services, midwifery services, prevention and management of obstetric fistula, and Maternal & Perinatal Death Surveillance & Response (MPDSR), and Digital Health & Innovation , filtered_html

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Press Release

02 March 2025

UN Sierra Leone Weekly Highlights - February 24-28.

US$4 million GOLA-REAP Project launched at Bo Waterside, Liberia.On Thursday, 27 February, the Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana, together with her Liberian counterpart, Christine Umutoni, joined the Minister of Internal Affairs from Sierra Leone, the Deputy Internal Affairs from Liberia, the MRU Secretary-General, UN colleagues from IOM and WFP from both countries and other stakeholders for the launch of the GOLA- REAP (Resilience, Empowerment, Access and Peacebuilding) project. The ceremony for the US$4 million funding from the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) took place at Bo-Waterside on the Liberian side of the border. It aims to enhance cross-border collaboration, resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and peacebuilding among communities, law enforcement, and government agencies in Liberia and Sierra Leone. PBF supports joint UN responses to address critical peacebuilding opportunities and connect development, humanitarian, human rights, and peacebuilding initiatives.At the launch, the RC from Sierra Leone said the project, which is aligned with the national priorities of the two countries, the MRU, ECOWAS and AU visions, as well as the UN Pact for the Future, builds on the past and ongoing peacebuilding efforts of the governments, communities and other stakeholders in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Her Liberian counterpart said that the initiative builds on the historic ties between Liberia and Sierra Leone, reaffirmed during the November 2024 meeting between President Joseph Boakai and President Julius Maada Bio in Freetown, where both leaders emphasized regional stability, economic integration, and environmental conservation.The launch event was a key milestone in officially presenting the project to stakeholders, highlighting its objectives and intended outcomes. These outcomes include strengthening peace, security, and resilience along the borders of the two countries, strengthening social cohesion, improving border management, enhancing local governance, and promoting climate-smart agriculture to mitigate conflict risks and foster economic resilience.The GOLA-REAP project is a joint effort led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in Liberia and Sierra Leone. The IOM will provide its expertise in migration and border management. At the same time, the WFP will contribute its experience in food security and nutrition in collaboration with national governments, local authorities, civil society organizations, and regional institutions such as the Mano River Union (MRU).The RC and her team also had engagements in Bo and Tikonko with young people working on skills training and with bike-riders.UNICEF delivers 61, 000 doses of Mpox vaccine to Sierra Leone .To support Sierra Leone’s Mpox response, UNICEF has procured and delivered more than 61,000 doses of vaccine with generous funding from GAVI and the Republic of Ireland and technical support from the African CDC and WHO to the Government of Sierra Leone. The Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Agency, and the leadership of the National Immunisation Programme, ensured that the Mpox vaccine arrived in the country at such an astonishing speed. The introduction of the Mpox vaccine to all target groups aged 12 years and older, especially frontline health workers and contacts, will help ensure that people are protected and prevented from further transmission of the disease. In addition, UNICEF supported the distribution of donated Personal Protective Equipment to six districts of the country to help healthcare workers stay safe in their course of duty.UNICEF is also supporting education, sensitization, and social listening efforts to curtail the spread of the disease. The UNICEF-supported social listening report is based on data insights and trends gathered by monitoring online conversations related to public perceptions and sentiments regarding Mpox to strengthen GOSL and partners' preparedness and response efforts.Reducing teenage pregnancy and ending child marriage National strategy launched.UNICEF joined the Government of Sierra Leone, Irish Aid, UNFPA Sierra Leone, and key partners to launch the National Strategy for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy & Ending Child Marriage (2025-2030) alongside the Formative Research Study on Adolescent Health, Nutrition & Support Systems (2023).The strategy developed with support from UNICEF, UNFPA, and Irish Aid builds on past progress and takes a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to tackling child marriage and adolescent pregnancy.Landscape mapping on Agricultural Finance Regulatory Policies in Sierra Leone conducted.UNCDF in partnership with the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MoAFS) has conducted a ‘landscape mapping on Agricultural Finance Regulatory Policies In Sierra Leone’. This proceeded with consultation workshops and one-on-one meetings with 200+ stakeholders from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA,) Government MDAs, Agri SMEs, Commercial Banks, Community banks, and Microfinance institutions. The stakeholder engagements focused on (among others), the report’s findings and recommendations with the objective of coming up with Agri finance specific policy reviews to aid in crowd in funding whilst providing Access to credit for Agri SMEs.The agriculture sector receives about 6% of the total credit from formal financial institutions yet contributes an estimated 60% of the country’s GDP and employs a sizeable population in Sierra Leone. UNCDF will be supporting the Ministry of Agriculture in the drafting of the ‘National Agriculture Finance Policy’, courtesy of the EU Funded ‘Salone Access to Finance’ Project.Empowering Informal Enterprises: UNDP's Blended Finance Match-Making Event.The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hosted a Blended Finance Match-Making Event with 74 stakeholders, including government officials, fund providers, financial institutions, development partners, media, and informal sector businesses. The event, part of the Informal Economy Project funded by the EU and OACP, aims to support informal enterprises in transitioning to sustainable growth and formalization. Participants discussed how blended finance, which combines public and private funds, can help small businesses access capital through innovative financing solutions. Key topics included the use of digital technology and strengthening synergies between formal and informal financial institutions and small businesses.The event highlighted the potential of blended finance to unlock economic opportunities for micro and small enterprises, which make up 92% of Sierra Leone's workforce but face challenges like limited access to finance and technological support. Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between informal enterprises and the formal economy for financial stability and growth. Fredrick Ampiah, UNDP Resident Representative, reiterated UNDP's commitment to financial inclusion and innovation.Emmanuel Konjoh, Chief Director at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, stressed the need for women's economic empowerment, noting that only 20% of businesses are female-owned despite women making up 50% of the population. He also highlighted the role of digital technology in modern trade.The EU and UNDP are committed to supporting financial inclusion through various initiatives. The UNDP's Growth Accelerator Programme has created 177 permanent jobs, 3,928 temporary jobs, and opened 125 new markets in the past year. Additionally, the Timbuktoo-UniPod Pan-African initiative aims to support 1,000 African tech startups over the next decade, with a hub at Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone. Financial literacy projects are also being implemented to empower youth and informal sector workers.Sierra Leone bolsters Mpox Response with 61,300 Vaccine Doses.Sierra Leone reinforced its combat against mpox with the arrival of 61,300 vaccine doses on February 25, 2025. This shipment, secured through the collaborative efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, GAVI, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and other partners, following a total of 29 confirmed mpox cases nationwide since the onset of this outbreak.The arrival of these vaccines is a crucial step in protecting vulnerable communities and curbing the spread of the virus. WHO contributed to this achievement, working closely with the Ministry of Health's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to develop a compelling proposal for vaccine acquisition. WHO’s technical expertise supported the review of the proposal with partners, ensuring its alignment with international standards and best practices, ultimately leading to the approval and delivery of the vaccines. "We are committed to supporting Sierra Leone in its efforts to control the mpox outbreak and protect its citizens. Our partnership with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders has been essential in making the acquisition of the vaccine a reality." Remarked WHO Country Representative Dr. George Ameh.The Ministry of Health, with support from its partners, will now focus on implementing a targeted vaccination campaign to reach high-risk populations and prevent further transmission. The vaccines will be administered according to established guidelines, prioritizing those most vulnerable to infection. "We are grateful for the support of WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, Africa CDC, and all our partners in securing these vaccines," said Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health. "This shipment is a major arsenal in our fight against the mpox outbreak."WHO supports Ministry of Health to empower Moyamba with quality improvement training.The WHO supported the Ministry of Health in conducting a crucial Quality Improvement (QI) training workshop in Moyamba District, Sierra Leone. This initiative, funded by Susan Thompson Buffet Foundation (STBF), aimed to strengthen healthcare delivery through the Life Stages Approach, prioritizing holistic care from preconception to geriatrics.Forty healthcare workers, including DHMT members, received training on QI tools, root cause analysis, data management, and child death audits. Moyamba, identified as a potential demonstration site, benefited from hands-on exercises where participants developed QI projects tailored to their departments, addressing service delivery gaps.The training enhanced understanding of QI principles, supported sustainable QI systems, strengthened Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (MNCAH) services, and equipped participants for effective child death audits.Umaru Lawundeh, Quality of Care Officer, emphasized the training's relevance, stating it empowered him to identify gaps and improve care. This initiative marks a significant step in operationalizing the Life Stages Approach, laying the foundation for improved health outcomes and nationwide scale-up of person-centered healthcare. FAO Inaugurates capacity building on Pest Control & Management for Crop Protection and Phytosanitary officers.On Tuesday, 25th February 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Sierra Leone, Saeed A. Bancie, inaugurated a four-day capacity building program for Crop protection and Phytosanitary officers from Sierra Leone's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS). The training was held at the Sierra Palms Hotel in Freetown and aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills on the Biological, Ecology, Host Plants, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices for Achaea, Catocaloides control in Sierra Leone.The Training of Trainers program was organized by the FAO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), as part of the joint effort towards promoting sustainable and effective pest management practices in the country. In his opening remark, Bancie emphasized the significance of this training of trainers on the Biological, Ecology, Host Plants, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices. He stressed the need for a strategic approach to addressing these pests to ensure food security and sustainable agriculture in Sierra Leone in addressing the challenges faced by farmers in pest management.The Director of Crops at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, John Kamara, admonished participants to apply the knowledge gained to develop effective control methods and protect the agricultural sector of Sierra Leone.FAO targeting 8 Districts and 21 Chiefdoms to improve livelihoods in Sierra Leone.Through the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), FAO is actively working to improve livelihoods in Sierra Leone! The initiative is reaching across eight districts and 21 chiefdoms. Currently, a distribution of small ruminants to 1,155 small-scale livestock farmers across Sierra Leone is taking place. This initiative is a collaborative effort by the Government of Sierra Leone, implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), with crucial funding from The World Bank and technical expertise from the FAO.ILO, Opportunity Salone Programme support Sierra Agrobased Industries equipmentWith funding from the European Union, the International Labour Organization (ILO) implementers of the Opportunity Salone Programme have provided Sierra Agro-based Industries in Bo District with a range of essential machinery. These include dryers, steamers, processing tables, processors, and cool systems, all of which are crucial for developing and scaling Attieke, a cassava product. This support is not just about increasing consumption and access to the product but also about providing consumers with the best value for money and ensuring quality and volumes at all times. The project has supported SME businesses like Sierra Agro-based Industries based in Bo districts and others in Makeni, Kenema, and Port Loko to scale up production levels with technical and financial resources to be better placed in meeting market demands and compete internationally.
Receiving the machines, Rashid Conteh, CEO of Sierra Agro-based Industries, thanked the EU and ILO for the timely intervention to contribute to the cassava value chain in ensuring multiple products are being processed. They promised to utilise the machinery efficiently and ensure knowledge is passed on to the younger processors in the cassava value chain. Present at the handing over are Fedrico Cappuro, Food Systems Programme Manager, EU, Commissioner of Labour Chiblee F.Kamara from MELSS and the Youth Commissioner Atata Manassarry, amongst others. , filtered_html

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