Executing one of its core functions of providing oversight, the Parliamentary Committee on Planning, chaired by Hon. Peter Y. Koroma, on Thursday, April 4th, 2024, hosted the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) on Sierra Leone’s forthcoming Voluntary National Review (VNR) regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2024.
The Civil Society Organisation representative, Victor Koroma, expressed his gratitude to the committee for their intervention in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals while assuring his full support to get people’s voices captured in the implementation of the SDGs in the country
Hon Peter Yamba Koroma, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Planning and Development, pledged the committee’s unfailing support to the Ministry for the implementation of the SDGs in Sierra Leone. He highlighted that the SDGs were designed to end poverty and suffering in the world and Sierra Leone has developed its own development goals in recent years.
Hon. Unpha Sorie Koroma, who on behalf of the minority leader in parliament, applauded the government reechoing the urgency of SDGs implementation in the country particularly addressing poverty and fostering progressive development. He therefore urged the government to translate its manifesto into tangible benefits for the country’s population.
Hon. Sahr Musa Fofanah, who represented the deputy leader of government business, expressed his satisfaction with the Ministry’s effort so far in the implementation of the SDGs in the country. He further emphasized the need to enhance partnerships among parliamentarians, CSOs, and even the private sector in order to achieve more success in the implementation.
UNFPA representative to Sierra Leone, Nadia Rashid emphasized the global inclusivity of the SDGs agenda highlighting a concerning finding of a significant percentage of SDGs are off-track. She underscored the critical role of Members of Parliament and CSOs, stressing the importance of community engagement to bridge the gap in SDG progress.
Rashid lauded Sierra Leone’s achievements, particularly in Goal 3 (Gender equality), urging other countries to emulate their successes while emphasizing the need for partnership, inclusivity, and promotion in the Voluntary National Review (VNR) process, pledging continued support to the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
In her keynote address, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, reflected on the country’s progress and outlined the objectives of the meeting: sensitizing stakeholders on the SDGs and the 2024 VNR process, and fostering collaboration among parliament, CSOs, and governance institutions.
Minister Barclay highlighted the implications of the discussions for policy effectiveness and stressed Sierra Leone’s active engagement in SDG reviews since 2015. She emphasized the role of Parliament and partners in supporting the process, linking it to the country’s development plan and flagship programs.
The Minister called for collective action and a change of attitude to achieve the SDGs, referencing the upcoming global conference on VNR.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on MONDAY, April 8th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)