By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
During the opening of the Third Africa High-Level Forum on South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTrC) for Sustainable Development in Freetown, President Bio emphasized the significance African cooperation; stating that Africa is no longer waiting to be invited to the table. Africa is building the table creating opportunities for Africans and for the world.” He said.
He said the Freetown Declaration emerges from this forum be remembered not merely as another diplomatic document, but as a pivotal moment when Africa and the Global South moved decisively from aspiration to action, from potential to empowerment.
At the initial meeting with Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre, CEO of the APRM, held at State House, President Bio reiterated his government’s commitment to promoting good governance and sustainable development across the African continent.
The meeting highlighted the critical role of the APRM in fostering self-assessment and peer review among African nations, aimed at improving governance, economic development, and socio-political stability.
President Bio expressed his enthusiasm for continued collaboration with the APRM, emphasizing the importance of the mechanism in achieving the goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Sierra Leone’s hosting of the upcoming forum presents a vital opportunity for African countries to exchange best practices and form innovative partnerships for sustainable development. The forum’s emphasis on South-South and Triangular Cooperation underscores the potential of African-led solutions in addressing the continent’s unique challenges.
President Bio’s proactive engagement with the APRM illustrates his administration’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation and peer learning as tools for accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In conclusion, the discussions have laid the groundwork for a stronger partnership between Sierra Leone and the APRM, contributing to a more effective and resilient governance landscape across Africa.