Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has officially opened the first-ever Government–NGO Dialogue, marking a significant milestone in fostering stronger collaboration between the Government of Sierra Leone and the non-governmental organization (NGO) community. The event brought together cabinet ministers, development partners, and representatives from civil society to discuss strategies for deepening cooperation and enhancing the impact of development programs nationwide.
In his opening address, Vice President Jalloh expressed profound appreciation to both government officials and NGO representatives for their dedication and continued partnership in advancing national priorities. He noted that the dialogue fulfilled a key promise made during the launch of the National NGO Policy in October 2023, underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.
“The Government–NGO Dialogue reflects our collective determination to strengthen trust, coordination, and mutual accountability,” Dr. Jalloh said. “It is a platform to ensure that our shared efforts translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Sierra Leoneans.”
Highlighting the critical role NGOs play in the nation’s development, the Vice President commended their contributions in key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, environment, and gender inclusion. He emphasized that these interventions directly support the government’s Big Five Agenda and the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030), which prioritize human capital development, food security, job creation, and social protection.
Dr. Jalloh reaffirmed the government’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for NGO operations, particularly through policy reforms, streamlined registration processes, and open engagement. “Our administration values the work of NGOs and development partners. Together, we can accelerate progress toward achieving sustainable national development,” he added.
Addressing the global decline in aid and donor funding, the Vice President called for greater collaboration and domestic resource mobilization to ensure resilience and sustainability. He introduced the government’s Integrated Approach, aimed at strengthening local capacities, promoting community ownership, and reducing long-term dependency on external support.
In conclusion, Vice President Jalloh commended NGOs for their unwavering partnership and urged continued collaboration built on mutual respect and accountability. “This dialogue is not just a meeting it is the beginning of a renewed partnership for shared progress,” he stated. “Together, we can build a Sierra Leone where development is inclusive, sustainable, and transformative.”
The event concluded with commitments from both government and NGO stakeholders to establish regular dialogue mechanisms and joint monitoring frameworks to track progress and enhance coordination in future development initiatives.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 15th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
