By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone has honoured with the esteemed pleasure to participate in the Commonwealth Forum to strengthen Sierra Leone’s sustainable urban development efforts with key insights from the King’s Foundation.
During the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, global leaders adopted a pivotal declaration on Sustainable Urbanization to address the pressing challenges of rapid urban growth and climate change across member nations.
Among the leaders championing this cause was Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who, along with First Lady Mrs. Fatima Bio, participated in a significant roundtable discussion focused on sustainable urban development.
The roundtable, held under the auspices of the Commonwealth’s commitment to sustainable urbanization, brought together leaders, experts, and key stakeholders to share strategies and solutions for managing urban expansion while mitigating environmental risks.
President Bio’s contributions highlighted Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts and the critical support it has received from the King’s Foundation, a partnership that has been instrumental in advancing sustainable development initiatives in the country.
Sierra Leone has faced the dual challenges of rapid urbanization and the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, deforestation, and increased flooding risks.
The King’s Foundation, with its expertise in sustainable urban planning, has supported Sierra Leone in tackling these issues through capacity-building initiatives and resource-sharing programs.
In his address, President Bio emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “Sierra Leone has benefitted greatly from the King’s Foundation over the years, and I look forward to strengthening this partnership further to ensure that our cities are not only more sustainable but also more resilient to the challenges of our time.”
The roundtable discussion served as a platform for sharing insights from various Commonwealth nations, underscoring the need for innovative approaches to urban development that prioritize sustainability and inclusivity.
It is expected that the strengthened partnership between Sierra Leone and the King’s Foundation will serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges.
This event marks a significant step forward in Sierra Leone’s commitment to addressing urban and environmental challenges through international collaboration and shared expertise.
