Launch of the UNSDCF 2025-2030 remarks delivered by Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana

The Honorable Chief Minister- Dr David M Sengeh, 

Honourable Ministers, 

Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, 

Development Partners, 

Heads of UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes, 

Members of the Fourth Estate, 

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning,

I am honoured and privileged to stand before you today as the Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone to launch the United National Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2025-2030). This occasion marks a significant landmark in our 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.  Its development was a collective effort of the UN team, working in partnership with key government and civil society partners. 

Let me start by thanking the Government of Sierra Leone, (with special acknowledgement to our primary coordination partner, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development), Development Partners, Civil Society organizations, private sector, women and youth organizations and all those who contributed to shape our cooperation framework. We appreciate the long-term partnership that has existed between the United Nations and the Government and people of Sierra Leone, and the next stage of cooperation builds on this foundation.

 Today’s event signifies our resolve to deepen this relationship and advance Sierra Leone’s sustainable development path, as well as its quest to achieve middle-income country status by 2038. 

To this end, it is significant to note that the UN Cooperation Framework is well aligned to Sierra Leone’s Medium Term National Development Plan 2024-2030. Indeed, the Cooperation Framework’s vision on food security, access to services, development of human capital, inclusive governance and environment sustainability mirror the big five game changer of the Government’s Medium-Term National development plan.

 The Cooperation Framework is, also, aligned to the UN Secretary General’s six transitions, aiming at accelerating the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 

We at the United Nations recognize that the successful implementation of this cooperation framework depends on strong partnerships. Considering this, let me reaffirm our commitment to working closely with the government of Sierra Leone, development partners, the private sector, and civil society organizations to fully achieve the outcomes that have been articulated in the Cooperation Framework in an inclusive manner so as not to leave anyone behind. 

Collaboration and collective action are essential to address the challenges that the country is still experiencing, whether it is climate change, food security, or the technological divide.

As I conclude, let me celebrate this occasion and again express my deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to the development of this cooperation framework, including the UN Country Team, the staff in the agencies and the PSG. Your insights, dedication, and hard work have been instrumental in shaping a cooperation framework that truly reflects the priorities highlighted in the government’s development plan and responds to the needs of the People of Sierra Leone.  

As we embark on the implementation journey together, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to achieving the outcomes set forth in this document and work with determination, innovation, and a spirit of collaboration to create a future where every citizen of Sierra Leone, including those on the verge of being left behind, can thrive and prosper. 

 I thank you all.