By: Saidu Jalloh
In a continued effort to promote sustainable development, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) hosted the High-Level Reflection Dialogue on the 4th Monitoring Round of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC). The event took place on July 17, 2025, at the Foreign Service Academy Conference Hall in Tower Hill, Freetown.
Held under the theme “Stronger Partnerships for Sustainable Development,” the dialogue brought together senior government officials, development partners, civil society leaders, and private sector representatives. Participants reviewed progress, shared lessons, and discussed strategies to strengthen collaboration across all development sectors.
The GPEDC is a multi-stakeholder platform that fosters more effective development cooperation. It is guided by principles such as mutual accountability, country ownership, results-focused strategies, and inclusivity core elements in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In her opening remarks, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, praised the country’s efforts in data collection and stakeholder engagement. She emphasized that Sierra Leone’s development strategy is now more transparent and evidence-based than ever before.
Minister Barlay noted the country’s significant progress, including an impressive 85% score in development planning and increased use of national systems by development partners. However, she also acknowledged the need for improvement in areas such as accountability and data tracking. She urged all stakeholders to continue working together under the core principles of the GPEDC to mobilize broader resources and accelerate national development.
United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Robert Banamwana, applauded Sierra Leone’s commitment to effective development cooperation. He reaffirmed the UN’s support, emphasizing the importance of inclusive partnerships and country-led development strategies in achieving long-term success.
Development experts, including Madam Abie Elizabeth Kamara, Director of the Development Assistance Coordination Office at MoPED, and Mr. Abass Kargbo, Senior Aid Management Officer, highlighted the rigorous and inclusive nature of the monitoring process. They stressed the importance of strengthening data systems, enhancing parliamentary oversight, and improving financial management.
According to Madam Kamara and Mr. Kargbo, the positive outcomes from the monitoring round were achieved through extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders. These included trade unions, civil society organizations, private sector actors, philanthropists, sub-national entities, and development partners—demonstrating a collective effort to align national development priorities.
In closing, Development Secretary Mr. Usman C. Conteh called for unity and collective responsibility. He emphasized that harnessing natural resources effectively and fostering national cohesion are key to propelling Sierra Leone and Africa as a whole toward a more prosperous future.