By Nasratu Kargbo
United Nations Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana together with her team and the representatives from the government have engaged stakeholders from diverse groups in Makeni to get their views and contribute to the next United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework which will serve as a guide in the execution of their programmes from 2025 to 2030.
Speaking at the meeting held in Makeni on the 31st January 2024, the Coordinator said “We must ensure that our next cooperation framework addresses the needs of all our citizens, leaving no one behind. Our aim is to create an environment where every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, can contribute to and benefit from our collective growth”.
She stressed that ensuring that diverse voices are heard is at the heart of their work, saying the consultation meeting is a testament to their commitment to inclusivity. The Coordinator stated that the engagement consists of persons from different sectors of the communities and that each person is expected to contribute their unique perspective to enrich the content of their cooperation framework.
Wakana whilst speaking on the relevance of the inputs that will be made which will serve as a framework explained that the framework will not be a static document, but one that will serve as a reference document and guide for future challenges and opportunities when they face them.
The Resident Coordinator said that she recognizes the fact that the global economic situation and geopolitical risks have put extreme pressure on the country’s financial situation, but was quick to say that is why their organization believes in sustainability in their development interventions. She pointed out the importance of financial sustainability and stressed that it is not an option but a necessity.
Wakana encouraged all Sierra Leoneans to play their part in ensuring the framework is a success, she said “The success of our cooperation framework will largely depend on effective collaboration among Government, the UN, the public and private sectors and civil society. We must foster an environment where innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsible business practices thrive. By working hand in hand, we can leverage the strengths of all partners for the benefit of Sierra Leone”.
The Mayor of Makeni City Council Vincent Kanu said the engagement is significant, explaining that it provides the opportunity for them to input the United Nations Programmes for the country into the country’s Mid-Term National Development Plan.
Kanu urged citizens across the political divides that were present in the meeting to focus on developing the nation by providing developmental ideas in a bid to ensure the country progresses.
“I am urging you as UN Team to execute your roles and responsibilities as a World-wide recognized organization with proficient professionalism and to ensure a fair share of your interventions to the people of this country especially those areas that are in dying need” the Mayor said.
He also spoke on the significance of peace, noting that without peace there cannot be any sustainable development.
The meeting was attended by persons with disability (PWDs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), representatives from the government, and other UN agencies.
The consultation continues in Freetown this week to get diverse voice in their next Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
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