The discussions between Dr. Ahonsi and Minister Barley covered a range of collaborative topics aimed at bolstering their ongoing partnership and preparations for the launch of the Successor Plan (MTNDP 2024-2028).
The meeting also delved into the quarterly Ministerial Development Partners Coordination Committees (DEPAC), the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and its Roadmap, as well as linking the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the President’s Big Five Game Changers outlined in the 2023 Peoples’ manifesto.
Dr. Ahonsi congratulated Minister Barley on her appointment and highlighted the successful history of cooperation with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) in fostering sustainable development.
He praised their past collaborations and acknowledged the crucial role of the outgone minister in maintaining the UNSDCF.
Global challenges in achieving the SDGs were acknowledged, with Dr. Ahonsi emphasizing the importance of renewed commitments from UN member states.
He advocated for the production of a National Progress Report on SDGs and the development of a National Commitment and Roadmap to accelerate progress on the goals.
The upcoming SDGs Summit in September 2023 was discussed, along with the significance of the Quarterly Ministerial Development Partnership Coordination (DEPAC) meetings. Dr. Ahonsi revealed that the UNSDCF would be extended to December 2024 to align with the new Successor Plan.
Minister Barley expressed gratitude for the UN Family’s support and outlined her plans to launch the Successor Medium-Term National Development Plan by the end of December 2023. Despite challenges, she remained optimistic about achieving the launch date through streamlined consultation processes.
The President’s Big Five Game Changers in the 2023 People’s Manifesto were highlighted by Minister Barley, underscoring how they would inform the Successor Medium-Term National Development Plan.
She assured the Resident Coordinator of the ministry’s commitment to producing a National Progress Report on the SDGs, finalizing the SDGs Digital Monitoring Platform, and reviewing the UNSDCF Roadmap.
The meeting, attended by other dignitaries, signaled a promising collaboration between the UN and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, with a focus on sustainable economic growth and the realization of shared development goals.
