The Chief Minister (CM), Dr David Moinina Sengeh, on July 26, 2024, in Freetown, launched the UN in Sierra Leone Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the next 6 years with emphasis that its implementation requires the collective effort of every stakeholder.At the event held at the Freetown International Conference Centre, the CM reaffirmed the Government's commitment to its people and a future of shared prosperity while also calling upon civil society organizations to continue their vital work in advocacy and community mobilization. "To our private sector, I say, your entrepreneurship and innovation are crucial for our economic transformation. To our development partners, we value your continued support and look forward to deepening our collaboration," he said.Dr Sengeh also highlighted the UNSDCF's significant contribution to Sierra Leone's sustainable development and the need for its full implementation, noting that it is not merely a document but a testament to our collective aspirations and a roadmap to a future where every Sierra Leonean can thrive.Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MOPED) Madam Kenyeh Barley, who was also involved in the district-wide consultations during the document's development, described the signing and launching of the UNSDCF as the beginning of a journey to a very inclusive process that was vitally focused on the country's national systems and procedures and national development agenda.In her remarks, UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana said that the occasion marked a significant landmark in the UN systems collective drive towards sustainable development, inclusive growth, and improved well-being for all Sierra Leone citizens. "The UN country team in Sierra Leone, with more than 20 Agencies, funds and programs, have contributed to and will be guided by the priorities and principles outlined in this Framework over the coming six years," she noted.  Also, the RC stressed that Its development was a collective effort of the UN team, working in partnership with key Government and civil society partners.The framework focuses on three key priorities: food systems, natural resource management and climate change; human capital, essential services, and employment; and governance and economic transformation. It fully aligns with the Medium-Term National Development Goals (2024-2030), mirroring the five big game changers.The CF was signed on behalf of the Government by the MOPED Minister and the Resident Coordinator, on behalf of the  UN in Sierra Leone. The Heads of Agency in Sierra Leone also signed the new document. 

A USD 105 million livestock project co-financed by the OPEC Fund for International Development and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) was today signed in Freetown between the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Bernard Hein, and the Minister of Finance, Mr Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura.Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Finance's Conference Room in Freetown, Bernard Hein said the occasion strengthened engagements to advance food security, reduce poverty, and build resilience in Sierra Leone's rural communities. He was pleased to see the strategic alignment with Sierra Leone's Medium-Term National Development Plan for 2024–2030 and the "Feed Salone" Flagship Programme. He added that Sierra Leone is a net importer of livestock products (60% of poultry, 50% of eggs, and 90% of pork eaten are imported) and that the project, once implemented, will reverse that situation."Over the next eight years, this programme will reach over 62,000 households and benefit 373,000 individuals, with a gender transformative and youth sensitive approach, ensuring that at least 40% of beneficiaries are women and 30% are youth, including persons living with disabilities," the Regional Director said.He noted that success in this journey relies on a close, result-focused, and committed partnership that builds on learning made from ongoing projects. He urged all stakeholders and the value chain actors—government officials, local communities, and development partners—to collaborate for effective implementation. Resident Coordinator a.i Sofia Goinhas congratulated the Government and people of Sierra Leone for the significant event, stating that the project is a testament to our collective ambition to bring sustainable progress to this nation."Today's signing, coming in barely two months to the commencement of the implementation of our new Cooperation Framework beginning in January 2025- 2030, speaks to Pillar One of the Document – Food systems, natural resource management, and climate change, which seeks to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are food and nutrition secure," said the RC a.i In her remarks, Acting Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Theresa Dick, extended heartfelt gratitude from her ministry to IFAD, and partners for their continued support in advancing Sierra Leone's agricultural and economic goals.  She said the partnership will benefit Sierra Leone's economy by providing essential sources of livelihood for farmers, particularly women and youth, enhancing nutritional status and increasing income for many families, especially in rural areas. "I am certain that this alliance will significantly contribute to Sierra Leone's broader agricultural and economic objectives, including food security, rural development, poverty reduction, and the creation of sustainable jobs for the growing population," she emphasised. She also noted that the Government of Sierra Leone has committed $9.16 million through tax and duty exemptions to the project and beneficiary communities, who will contribute $5.67 million in cash or in-kind. The Finance Minister appreciated the commitment of IFAD, IsDB, OPEC Fund for International Development, and the Government to bring value to the President of Sierra Leone's vision of feeding its people. "The impact will ensure we reach our 500,000-target workforce," he said, adding that we are moving in the right direction. He emphasised that the government would waste no time in delivering on its partner commitment. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) will lead the implementing agency. A Project Steering Committee, composed of representatives from MAFS, the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the Ministry of Youth Affairs (MOYA), and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI), will provide oversight to ensure effective project implementation. A Project Management Unit under Bo's Livestock and Veterinary Services Division will manage the day-to-day operations.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Africa Regional Director embarked on a mission to Sierra Leone from 23 - 26 June 2024, where UNOPS is working with the government and partners to support a range of initiatives that are building resilience and promoting long-term sustainable development. This includes efforts with partners like the World Bank and the government of Japan to increase access to basic services and provide renewable energy solutions that promote health, education and economic opportunities in rural and urban communities across the country.“Witnessing the transformative impact of our energy and infrastructure initiatives on beneficiaries' lives was truly inspiring,” said Dalila Goncalves, UNOPS Africa Regional Director.During her mission, the UNOPS Regional Director engaged with key stakeholders from the World Bank and the EU Delegation, the US Ambassador, representatives from the Sierra Leone government, as well as the UN Resident Coordinator. She emphasized UNOPS's pivotal role in supporting Sierra Leone's national development priorities and advancing progress on the SDGs and the Agenda 2030.The positive feedback received from partners underscores the significance of UNOPS contributions to Sierra Leone. Notably, projects like the Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Hospital in Kailahun district, showcase the unwavering commitment to sustainable development. This also includes the construction of solar energy power plants to provide reliable electricity in underserved areas.These success stories, especially in renewable solar energy, stand as a beacon of hope and demonstrate the transformative potential of such initiatives that can be replicated in other regions across Africa. UNOPS has been in Sierra Leone for more than 10 years, working with the Government of Sierra Leone and Partners in the energy and infrastructure sector. Through a range of procurement, project management and infrastructure-related services, we help to increase access to basic services and provide renewable energy solutions that promote health, education and economic opportunities in rural and urban communities across the country.

The UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, has concluded a two-day visit to Sierra Leone. During this visit, he called on African countries to take stronger action to address the "silent pandemic" of lives lost in road crashes. The Special Envoy underscored that the African continent suffers the greatest loss of lives, the highest burden on the health system, and the most significant loss of GDP due to road traffic injuries. According to a new WHO report, Africa was the only continent to record an increase in the figures for victims on African roads, with a mortality rate of 19 per 100,000 people, while in Europe, the rate is 7 deaths per 100,000. In Sierra Leone, there are 14 deaths per 100,000 (WHO 2021). In his engagement with President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio at State House on his first full day of the visit, he entreated the President to work with his Rwandan counterpart, President Kagame, for road safety to be given the highest consideration at the African Union in their pursuit of the "Africa We Want." The African Union Agenda 2063, spanning 2024 to 2033, is a bold and ambitious blueprint to build on progress towards and the quick implementation of "The Africa We Want". It will also contribute to achieving the goal of the second Decade of Action for Road Safety to half the number of road traffic deaths by 2030. Today, around 1.2 million people die, and 50 million are injured each year as a result of road crashes."We need strong leaders committed to speaking about road safety to save lives, and your support, together with President Kagame and other African Union Member States, would be a game changer", said the Special Envoy, Mr Jean Todt.On Sierra Leone, he said his visit was to discuss with the authorities how partnerships with the private sector, the United Nations, development partners, influencers, and other stakeholders would ensure the attainment of SDG 3.6 and SDG 11.2. That is, to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes and improve access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport for all. Mr. Todt pointed out that the good news is that we know the prescription for success, but it requires the whole society to work together to tackle the issue.In Sierra Leone, Mr Todt said he has seen many two-wheelers (Okada riders) riding their motorbikes with helmets but too many others without, and even many of those with them are using helmets that are not safe or not being used safely. "They need to be UN-compliant, ventilated helmets, which can cost less than USD 20$. Ensuring their availability requires private sector involvement to produce and provide these helmets responding to UN safety standards for riders."The President responded that road safety is a major concern and requires concerted effort from every Sierra Leone. He promised to engage with other African Union Member States to push for road safety on the AU Agenda and for ECOWAS to give the issue due consideration. "The UN can join the efforts of the Government to address the issue," President Bio said while promising the Envoy that he has his full support.At a stakeholder event Mr. Todt and the First Lady held at the State House afterwards, the Special Envoy said he hoped Sierra Leone would be a leader in Africa to address the silent pandemic and that the country is an ideal partner.The head of the Sierra Leone Roads Safety Authority (SLRSA), Smart K. Senessie, said the country is in a hurry to tackle the road safety emergency. "We need to do more to address issues of road safety."In an earlier engagement with the United Nations Country Team, he said road crashes are the number one killer for youth aged 5-29 years in Africa and that to address the issue requires education, speed law enforcement, safe quality vehicles, good quality roads, and rules against drunk driving and use of telephones while at the wheel.Mr. Todt encouraged the Country Team to explore avenues with the United Nations Road Safety Fund, which is about to launch a call for road safety project proposals, and with the UN Global Compact to see how it can cooperate with the Government to make our roads safer. On Wednesday, his last day, he visited the SLRSA project site on the outskirts of Freetown, where he was welcomed with a quarter guard parade consisting of eighteen personnel, including three females, under the command of Route Commander Saidu Kamara.The stakeholders called for UN leadership and support, which is crucial to ensure that no journey ends in tragedy.The Special Envoy responded that he would be committed to addressing road safety and that WHO Sierra Leone would follow up .He ended his visit with a tour of the Surgical Centre in Goderich, operated by EMERGENCY NGO. The hospital, the only one that treats patients for free in the entire country, received 900 admissions in 2023, with 270 of them from road crashes, according to Dr Giuseppe Meucci (Interim Medical Coordinator).The climax of his 2-day mission was a press conference with the First Lady, who is also part of the high-level network of the Friends of the Special Envoy, including senior representatives from Government, international institutions and civil society, including former Ivorian International footballer Didier Drogba who is also engaged in a new UN global advocacy campaign for road safety #MakeASafetyStatement .The First Lady said it was good that the Envoy visited to "see our vulnerable side and for him to understand the country's needs in terms of road safety"."Mr. Todt said he was leaving the country full of hope because he saw commitment and engagement, but its success depends on a collective effort.According to SLRSA figures, in the first quarter of the year, 29 road crashes led to death, 146 severe injuries and 94 minor injuries. WHO reports on a road fatalities rate of 14 per 100,000 population (WHO 2021).There are an estimated 1.6 million bike riders among the country's approximately 8 million population, and they are the main victims of traffic crashes in Sierra Leone.The next major meeting for road safety on the global level will be in Africa during the 4th Global Ministerial Conference for Road Safety in Marrakesh, to be held on 18-19 February 2025.