The UN in Sierra Leone

Children at school. Support to free quality school education and human capital development is a pillar of the UN Action in Sierra Leone.
Photo: © UNOPS/Acland

Sierra Leone became a full member of the United Nations on 27 September 1961, joining as the 100th member state after the UN General Assembly approved its admission. Since joining, the UN has supported the country’s path toward peace, stability, and development. Over the decades, this partnership has focused on strengthening institutions, rebuilding after conflict, promoting human rights, and improving access to essential services. The UN has provided continuous support through peace missions, development agencies, and humanitarian programs, ensuring Sierra Leone had the backing needed to stabilize its governance systems and rebuild national capacity. 

Today, the UN’s work in Sierra Leone centers on modernizing national systems, improving service delivery, and promoting inclusive development. This includes major contributions such as strengthening the health system through a centralized National Health Information Hub, aligning development efforts with national priorities through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2025-2030), and advancing progress in education, economic stability, and food security.  

The UN family works as One UN with the Government and development partners to deliver Sustainable Development interventions across People, Prosperity, Planet, Partnership, and Peace. 

Milestones

1

The United Nations continues to play a pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s development, governance, and social progress. A major health-sector advancement was the launch of the National Health Information Hub on 20 January 2026, which unified fragmented health data systems and strengthened real‑time, evidence‑based decision‑making across the country. 

2

On July 2024 in alignment with national priorities, the UN also introduced the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2030, outlining a six‑year strategic partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone. This framework guides UN support toward inclusive economic growth, strengthened governance, and social development.

3

The 2025 Mid‑Year Report recognized major national progress, including reduced inflation, improved school enrollment, better maternal and neonatal health, and advances in climate‑smart agriculture. 

4

On October 2025 the UN celebrated 80 years of its existence and 64 years of partnership with Sierra Leone, marking decades of collaboration toward peace, human rights, climate resilience, and sustainable development. The anniversary reaffirmed the UN’s long‑standing role in supporting the nation’s growth, stability, and social progress, reflecting a relationship built on shared goals and mutual commitment. 

5

On November 2025 Women’s empowerment was boosted through the Women’s Land for Peace project and all‑female RSLAF drivers training, strengthening women's roles in peacebuilding and security. 

6

The UN’s engagement in economic and governance reforms marked an important milestone through high‑level financing discussions under the Development Partnership Committee. These engagements supported Sierra Leone’s progress in expanding electricity access, reducing severe food insecurity, and strengthening transparency and evidence‑based planning. This milestone reflected the UN’s commitment to improving economic resilience and governance systems as the country moves toward long‑term development goals. 

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The Sustainable Development Goals 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: