By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone is launching an inclusive national dialogue aimed at shaping its Fifth National Human Development Report (NHDR), positioning the initiative as a platform for collective reflection and action on the country’s development path.
The three-day inception workshop, held at the Atlantic Hotel in Freetown, brings together government leaders, civil society organizations, academics, private sector representatives, and development partners. These stakeholders will collaborate to set the agenda for the report, which is scheduled for publication in 2026.
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, emphasized that the NHDR should not be seen merely as a technical document, but rather as a “national mirror” through which Sierra Leone can examine its aspirations and challenges. “The Report must reflect the voices of our communities and inspire bold actions,” he stressed, calling for creativity, ownership, and commitment from all involved parties.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a key partner in this process, reinforced this sentiment. UNDP’s Country Representative, Mr. George Baratashvili, described Human Development Reports as “knowledge instruments” that encourage societies to look beyond mere economic growth and focus on expanding freedoms, choices, and opportunities. He underscored the importance of evidence-based policy debates, noting that Sierra Leone’s new NHDR will help strengthen national statistics and create localized measures of development.
Between 2006 and 2019, Sierra Leone produced four NHDRs, each addressing issues like resilience, inequality, and post-crisis recovery. The fifth edition will align with the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) while drawing inspiration from global best practices. Experts from Nigeria and Zambia are offering insights, while technical advisor Ms. Bushra Ferdous Khan is helping to guide the methodological framework.
What sets this process apart is its collaborative approach. Stakeholders are not just participants but co-creators of the report’s vision, tasked with developing a theme that addresses the country’s most pressing priorities. “This is not just about writing a report; it’s about creating a living tool that will foster dialogue, influence reforms, and mobilize partnerships,” said Baratashvili.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have defined the report’s theme, ensuring that it reflects the lived realities of Sierra Leoneans and aligns with the country’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.