Speaking at the consultations, the UNDP Sierra Leone’s Resident Representative, Fredrick Ampiah described the gathering as a testament to UNDP’s shared commitment to inclusive, transformative, and sustainable development.

He described the draft CPD as UNDP’s pledge to the people of Sierra Leone, as the document is a blueprint for action and a commitment to reducing multidimensional poverty, address vulnerabilities to shocks, injustice, and political tensions; and foster a society where sustainable development is not just a goal, but a lived reality for all. The CPD is also in alignment with the government MTNDP’s emphasis on economic diversification and private sector partnership; and leverage UNDP’s thought-leadership, knowledge management, and evidence generation through innovation, digital technology, and public infrastructure services for evidence-based planning, informed decision-making, and enhanced digital inclusion and accessibility. 

“As we transition from the current CPD period, we reassert our pivotal role as a convener, enabler, integrator, and catalyst for transformative change as a UN agency and as part of the UN system in Sierra Leone”, the UNDP Resident Representative said. 

He spoke about UNDP’s ‘people-first strategy,’ which centred on the principle of ‘Leaving No One Behind,’ that integrates, localizes, and accelerates the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. He described UNDP’s willingness to be by government’s side, offering unwavering technical support and capacity development. “Together, we realize our shared vision of transforming Sierra Leone into an inclusive and green middle-income economy”, he concluded. 

 Statement from the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Seraphine Wakana

In statement from the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Madam Seraphine Wakana commended UNDP for bringing together key government officials and partners to critically look at the CPD 2025-2030, making sure the SDGs that are captured in the document are discussed and implemented successfully. She expressed hope that the innovative and strategic involvement of government and partners in the review and implementation of the CPD will enhance the lives of Sierra Leoneans. “So please keep in mind; leave no one behind; place the human rights approach in all what you are going to be doing; and make sure that women and youth are not left behind, so your CPD will be a model for others,” Madam Wakana said.

Opening Remark from the Minster of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay

In her opening statement the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay described UNDP as a long standing and trusting partner in all the country’s development efforts for the last four decades; in assisting the government to achieve inclusive governance, peace and prosperity, people-centered sustainable development and more importantly resilience.

“Today’s occasion coincided with the development of the government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-2030, with the ‘Big 5 Game Changers’ of food security and agricultural productivity; human capital development; youth employment; technology and infrastructure; and enhancing public service architecture. We are certain that UNDP’s CPD 2025-2030 is in alignment with the government’s big five changers”, the Minister Kenyeh said.

 She thanked UNDP Sierra Leone for it sustained partnership with the government and the participants for attending the session, calling on all of them to make their valuable contribution to the development of the CPD.

The second day of consultations were also conducted with non-state actors’ engagement with partners was held on the 19^th of March 2024 at the same venue. Group discussions were made on UNDP programme priorities and partnerships by focus area around a set of questions. The focus areas included Inclusive Governance, Peace, and Prosperity; and People-Centered Sustainable Development and Resilience Building. That was followed by group presentations feedback and plenary sum up.