By Nasratu Kargbo
Out of 820 million dollars the United Nations (UN) intends to use in the implementation of its Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in Sierra Leone, 400 million dollars will be utilized on pillar one of the framework which seeks to address food systems, natural resource management and climate change.
Speaking at the launch and signing of the UNSDCF 2024 to 2030, a representative of the UN, Robert said they intend to strengthen the food system along the value chain and ensure an increase in agricultural production, availability, and accessibility of nutritious food especially for vulnerable people.
According to the UN representative, they intend to achieve pillar one through farmers, people engaged in fish related activities, and nature-based Small and Medium Enterprises to adopt sustainable practices and standards. He added that they also intend to engage in gender responsive prevention, preparedness, and early warning and response systems to mitigate the impact of environmental climate change and other disasters especially in the coastal communities.
He said they also intend to work with government and community stakeholders to ensure they develop and enforce laws and policies, monitor and manage systems in order to effectively manage waste and protect natural resources and valuable ecosystems.
Speaking on pillar two which centres on human capital essential services and employment dealing with governance and economic transformation, three hundred and seventy million dollars will be needed to execute this, but was quick to note that 48% of the fund is available.
He explained that the pillar will address vulnerable groups in accessing social protection services, women and youth to have improved labour market driven skills and increased financial inclusion for equitable and decent employment and business development opportunities.
Under this pillar they will ensure people in the rural and hard-to-reach communities have access to inclusive, gender responsive data, digital solutions, technology, clean energy and other infrastructure.
“Pillar three also has three outputs, and one of them is to support the government and the people of Sierra Leone, especially marginalized groups for access to the economy and supporting the government for economic diversification” he said.
50 million dollars will be needed for the third pillar with 45% of it already available, and will focus on accountable governance, justice, peace and human rights amongst others. All three pillars and their outputs are aligned with the government's priorities, regional and global frameworks.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone Sarapine Wakana in her statement said after proper analysis they decided to prioritize certain areas such as food security, development of human capital, inclusive governance and environmental sustainability because they mirrored the government’s big five game changers and Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024- 2030).
She pointed out that each of the pillars under the UNSDCF seeks to accelerate the achievement of the seventeen SDGs such as food systems, energy access and affordability, digital connectivity, education, jobs and social protection, biodiversity loss and pollution, among others.
In his keynote address, Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh Ph.D noted that the launch was a demonstration of their efforts in mapping out a future for all Sierra Leoneans to thrive, with emphasis on inclusiveness to ensure that UNSDCF truly reflects the needs and aspirations of Sierra Leoneans.
“What sets this document apart is its emphasis on local ownership, partnership and leaving no one behind. We recognize that sustainable development cannot be achieved through external support alone. It requires the active participation and leadership of Sierra Leoneans at all levels”, Sengeh said.
The programme was climaxed by a symbolic signing of the various documents by representatives of the UN and government of Sierra Leone.
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