By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
A pivotal roundtable discussion co-chaired by Estonian President Alar Karis and Sierra Leonean Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh took place at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4).
The session focused on mobilizing and aligning domestic public resources—an essential issue for achieving sustainable development in both countries and globally.
The collaborative event brought together participants from various sectors, including government officials, financial experts, and representatives from international organizations. Together, they explored strategies to enhance domestic resource mobilization, particularly in priority areas such as health, education, renewable energy, and women’s empowerment.
This high-level dialogue reflects the growing recognition of the need for self-sufficiency in financing development initiatives.
In his opening remarks, Vice President Jalloh emphasized the importance of establishing effective taxation systems and enhancing regional trade to improve revenue mobilization capacities. “Stronger accountability frameworks are essential to ensure that resources are utilized effectively for the benefit of our communities,” he stated, stressing that good governance is crucial for building public trust and attracting investment.
President Karis echoed these sentiments, citing Estonia’s own experience in adopting innovative financing solutions. He underscored the importance of engaging diverse stakeholders in identifying practical steps to mobilize domestic resources effectively.
The roundtable concluded with vibrant discussions, resulting in pragmatic recommendations aimed at guiding future efforts in resource mobilization. Participants highlighted the necessity of collaboration among governments, the private sector, and civil society to create an ecosystem conducive to sustainable development.
This event marks a significant step in fostering international cooperation and knowledge-sharing on best practices for domestic resource financing.
As nations face mounting financial pressures, the insights shared during this session are expected to inform policies that strengthen fiscal resilience and promote equitable growth.
The commitment demonstrated by Estonia and Sierra Leone serves as a model for other countries striving to enhance their domestic resource mobilization strategies. The outcomes of this dialogue will play a crucial role in shaping future initiatives aimed at addressing the complex challenges countries face in their development journeys.