UN Agencies Weekly Highlights 15-19 September

UN Women

Boosting Grassroots Mobility for Peace and Empowering Women Focused CSO Coalition with Motorbikes  

UN Women Sierra Leone, with support from the UN Peacebuilding Fund, has handed over nine motorbikes to the Women-Focused CSO Coalition in Peacebuilding. The handover, held at the UN Women office in Freetown, was attended by the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi; the PBF Secretariat Coordinator, Ms. Irene Limo; and UN Women Head of Office, Setcheme Jeronime Mongbo.

The initiative aims to strengthen grassroots peacebuilding by enabling women-led CSOs to access remote communities, facilitate dialogue, and enhance local engagement across six districts. Ms. Mongbo commended Sierra Leone’s progress under the Second-Generation National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (SiLNAP II), stressing that sustainable peace must be rooted in inclusive community leadership.

Dr. Mahoi expressed gratitude, noting: “These motorbikes will go a long way in addressing community challenges, protecting women’s lives, and improving access to information and services.”

Receiving on behalf of the coalition, Chairperson Florence Nana Taylor-Younge highlighted the transformative impact of the support: “This donation will significantly enhance our outreach and operational capabilities, empowering us to further our mission of promoting peace, security, and gender equality.”

By improving mobility and outreach, this initiative not only equips women-led organizations to monitor, respond, and engage effectively but also reinforces Sierra Leone’s broader Women, Peace and Security agenda.

UNICEF

Strengthening Public Finance Management in Sierra Leone through the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) 

In partnership with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, UNICEF hosted a three-day capacity-building training on the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) with participants from Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and NGOs.

The training brought together over 90 representatives from government and civil society to deepen their understanding of HACT processes, enhance compliance, and ensure the effective use of resources. By reinforcing national systems for financial management, the training enhances transparency and accountability across development and humanitarian programmes. 

HACT is a cornerstone of UNICEF’s risk management and assurance framework. Applying its principles not only safeguards resources but also builds mutual trust with partners and donors, ensuring that funds are used efficiently and for their intended purpose. Most importantly, it guarantees that every resource reaches the children and communities who need them most. 
 

RCO

International Day of Peace celebrated in Bamballa, Liberia 

The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office joined communities in Bamballa, Liberia, to mark the International Day of Peace under the GOLA-REAP project, funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and implemented by IOM and WFP. The initiative is strengthening resilience and advancing peace in cross-border areas.

Representing the UN Resident Coordinator, Robert Banamwana, Head of RCO, urged young people to remain peaceful, pursue education and skills, and reject irregular activities, noting that empowered youth are vital to building cohesion along the Sierra Leone–Liberia border.

Joseph Saffa, on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, underscored the deep ties between the two countries through family, trade, peace, and the Gola Forest. He emphasized that sustaining border peace is essential for social cohesion, environmental stewardship, early warning, and the protection of vulnerable groups.

WFP Liberia’s Representative added a message of solidarity, reminding communities of their shared challenges and resilience, and highlighting that through GOLA-REAP, both nations are working together to protect the environment, empower youth, and prevent crime and violence.

The commemoration brought together governments, traditional leaders, women’s groups, security forces, rangers, and youth, culminating in vibrant cultural performances and sports. The day reflected a shared commitment to unity and peace across borders.

One border, two countries, one peace.

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