MoPED holds Reflection Dialogue on the 4th Monitoring Round on Global Cooperation.

As Sierra Leone took a significant step in strengthening its commitment to sustainable growth, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) hosted the High-Level Reflection Dialogue on the 4th Monitoring Round of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC).

The dialogue held on the July 17th, 2025 at the Foreign Services Academy Conference Hall in Tower Hill, Freetown, under the theme “Stronger Partnerships for Sustainable Development,” the event gathered top government officials, development partners, civil society leaders, and private sector representatives to evaluate progress, share insights, and chart a course for more impactful collaboration across sectors.

The GPEDC, a dynamic multi-stakeholder platform, aims to enhance the effectiveness of development efforts by fostering genuine partnerships among governments, civil society, businesses, and other actors. Its focus is on principles like mutual accountability, results-oriented strategies, and inclusivity all vital to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In her opening remarks, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, extoled the active engagement and rigorous data collection that underpinned the country’s inclusive approach, emphasizing that Sierra Leone’s development strategies are now more transparent and evidence-driven than ever.

She praised the country’s improved standing in the global arena, with a remarkable 85% score in development planning and increased use of country systems by partners, while acknowledging existing challenges around accountability and data tracking. Minister Barlay called on all stakeholders to uphold the core principles of the GPEDC, urging continued collaboration and shared effort to unlock broader resources and accelerate development.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Mr. Robert Banamwana commended Sierra Leone’s commitment and reaffirmed UN support, underlining that principles like country ownership and inclusive partnerships are key to sustainable success. Experts, including Madam Abie Elizabeth Kamara and Abass Kargbo, highlighted the meticulous process behind the monitoring and the importance of strengthening data systems, parliamentary oversight, and financial management.

Madam Abie Elizabeth Kamara, Director of the Development Assistant Coordination Office at MoPED, alongside Abass Kargbo, Senior Aid Management Officer, highlighted that the positive outcomes of Sierra Leone’s monitoring process were achieved through extensive engagement and meaningful consultations with a diverse range of stakeholders spanning trade unions, civil society organizations, the domestic private sector, philanthropists, sub-national entities, and development partners reflecting a collective effort to align the country’s development priorities and ensure inclusive progress.

As the event drew to a close, Development Secretary Mr. Usman C. Conteh urged collective action, emphasizing that harnessing natural resources and fostering unity will propel Sierra Leone and Africa toward a more prosperous future.

Correspondent-John Farfira Kamara

Email: Johnfarfirakamara@gmail.com

Tel: ‪+23279185532‬