UN Agencies Weekly Highlights - July 14 - July 18

RCO

National dialogue on preferred electoral system for Sierra Leone, held in Bintumani International Conference Centre 

The Government of Sierra Leone, with support from the European Union, the United Nations, and International IDEA, officially launched a National Dialogue on the Preferred Electoral System at the Bintumani International Conference Centre. The dialogue aims to foster inclusive, nationwide engagement on electoral reform, focusing on the Proportional Representation (PR) and First Past the Post (FPTP) systems, in line with Recommendation 78 of the Tripartite Committee.

In their statements, development partners and government leaders reaffirmed their commitment to democratic consolidation, legal integrity, civic participation, and timely electoral preparedness ahead of the 2028 elections.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Seraphine Wakana, welcomed the dialogue as a vital step toward informed, inclusive decision-making and reiterated the UN’s ongoing support for electoral institutions and civic engagement.

The initiative underscores Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen transparency, constitutional alignment, and public trust in electoral processes, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

IOM

Sierra Leone validates national implementation plan and launches coordination mechanism for global compact for migration.

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, in collaboration with IOM, government partners, and civil society organizations, convened a national meeting to validate the National Implementation Plan (NIP) and establish a National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) for the Global Compact for Migration (GCM). 

This marks a critical milestone in localizing the GCM by translating global commitments into nationally owned actions that enhance migration governance in Sierra Leone. 

As a GCM Champion Country, Sierra Leone continues to demonstrate leadership in promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration—fully aligned with national development priorities outlined in the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030). 

This process was supported through funding from the European Union’s Demand-Driven Technical Assistance mechanism. 

UNFPA

UNFPA Sierra Leone engages media on new 2025–2030 country programme and 2024 achievements. 

On 18 July 2025, UNFPA Sierra Leone convened a media dissemination event to present its 8th Country Programme Document (CPD) 2025–2030 and share key highlights from its 2024 Annual Report. 
 
The event brought together editors, journalists, and media leaders to deepen understanding of UNFPA’s strategic direction, achievements, and priorities — particularly in sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and youth development. 
 
Key messages from national leadership: 
• Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, called the CPD “a critical enabler for national development and stronger, more resilient communities.” 
• Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, emphasized the alignment of the new programme with national efforts to end gender-based violence and harmful practices. 
 
UNFPA Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Sibeso Mululuma, described the new programme as a rights-based roadmap and called on media to play a central role in accountability, awareness, and advocacy. 
 
The event closed with an interactive dialogue, reinforcing media as a critical partner in advancing health, rights, and development for all in Sierra Leone.