By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone has emerged as a strong voice for increased global investment in research, data systems, and emerging technologies as essential tools for sustainable development. This follows a compelling address by the country’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, at the 10th Knowledge Summit in Dubai.
Speaking at the high-level forum held under the theme “Knowledge Markets: Developing Sustainable Communities” Dr. Wurie urged the international community to rethink how knowledge is financed, produced, and shared. She stressed that developing countries cannot build resilient economies without closing the widening gap in research and data investment.
The Minister noted that knowledge is not only a driver of national problem-solving but also a pathway for transforming vulnerable economies into competitive global contributors. She highlighted that chronic underfunding of research across developing nations continues to widen inequalities in technology adoption, evidence-based policymaking, and innovation.
“We cannot speak of sustainable development when the systems for generating and validating knowledge remain underfunded,” she cautioned, calling on governments and development partners to prioritize long-term investments in research, innovation, and industrial advancement.
Dr. Wurie outlined three strategic priorities that developing countries must embrace to strengthen their knowledge ecosystems:
Investing in strong research and innovation environments that enable creativity and practical problem-solving. Leveraging emerging technologies to generate reliable, real-time data. Strengthening governance systems to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in how data is produced and used.
She underscored the need for evidence producers particularly universities to collaborate closely with policymakers so that national development plans are rooted in credible, timely, and context-appropriate research.
Dr. Wurie also highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women in fields historically dominated by men, including science, engineering, agriculture, and technology. She announced that the government is finalizing a grant-in-aid policy aimed at supporting young women pursuing STEM programs by reducing financial barriers and fostering gender-inclusive leadership pathways.
Reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to equitable global partnerships, the Minister emphasized the country’s determination to strengthen research-driven development and to participate meaningfully in the global knowledge market.
Dr. Wurie attended the Summit alongside Ambassador Rashid Sesay, Sierra Leone’s envoy to the United Arab Emirates.