By Michaella Faith Wright
In a momentous gathering held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the G7+ Senior Officials Meeting began with a resounding commitment to advancing peace, stability, and sustainable development in regions plagued by conflict and fragility. The event, hosted by Sierra Leone, chair of the G7+ for the past decade, serves as a testament to the collective determination to overcome complex challenges hindering progress in vulnerable areas around the world.
Amidst an atmosphere charged with anticipation, delegates and dignitaries from member states and multilateral organizations convened to chart a course for future collaboration and celebrate past achievements. The meeting’s agenda is ambitious, covering a spectrum of critical issues aimed at addressing the root causes of fragility, promoting regional integration, stabilizing geopolitical conditions, and advocating for the interests of G7+ countries on the global stage.
Key figures delivering remarks at the opening session included Madam Kenyeh Barlay, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development and the Chair of the G7+, and Dr. Helder da Costa, General Secretary of the G7+ Secretariat. Their words echoed a shared commitment to solidarity and collective action in confronting the multifaceted challenges facing conflict-affected regions. They emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among member states and multilateral partners in driving positive change and fostering resilience in fragile states.
Throughout the course of the meeting, delegates will engage in robust discussions aimed at devising strategies to overcome setbacks and promote inclusive development. Topics on the agenda include enhancing governance structures, strengthening institutions, promoting economic resilience, and empowering marginalized communities. Additionally, participants will explore opportunities for leveraging international support and resources to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in conflict-affected regions.
As the meeting progresses, stakeholders expressed optimism about the potential for meaningful outcomes that will contribute to the realization of the G7+’s vision for a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous world. With Sierra Leone leading the charge, the G7+ Senior Officials Meeting represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing journey towards building a brighter future for all.
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Friday, May 6TH, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)