In a momentous event held at the esteemed Bintumani Hotel in Freetown on May 6, 2024, Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh took center stage, delivering a compelling keynote address at the launch of the Sierra Leone National Human Capital Development Coordinating Framework and the HCD+ Advocacy Training Workshop, scheduled for the 6th – 7th May, 2024.
Vice President Jalloh articulated his unwavering commitment to nurturing every aspect of human capital across the nation. His address resonated with acknowledgment for the collaborative spirit pervading various government ministries and the invaluable support lent by development partners and civil society organizations.
Central to Vice President Jalloh’s message was the pivotal role of investment in policies, programs, and projects designed to empower citizens to achieve their utmost potential. He underscored the government’s steadfast dedication to human capital development, citing its prioritization within the national development plans and tangible progress witnessed in education, healthcare, agriculture, and gender equality over the past half-decade.
Despite formidable challenges, including the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sierra Leone showcased resilience through targeted interventions and support schemes. Vice President Jalloh lauded the Quick Action Economic Response Programme and reiterated the government’s pledge to uplift youth and women through multifaceted initiatives.
Echoing Vice President Jalloh’s sentiments, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, emphasized the pivotal role of the Human Capital Development Coordination Framework in translating national development plans into actionable strategies. She lauded the government’s prioritization of human capital development and delineated key focus areas, notably education, health, and gender equality.
Madam Fonda Koroma, CEO of Africa Human Capital Development Plus (HCD+), lauded Sierra Leone’s strides in enhancing human capital development sectors and pledged unwavering support for further advancements. She outlined Africa HCD+’s advocacy pillars and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to collaborating with member states to expedite HCD outcomes.
Looking ahead, Madam Koroma emphasized the imperative of a robust National Human Capital Development Coordination Framework to surmount ongoing challenges and optimize development outcomes. She elucidated Africa HCD+’s support domains, encompassing program coordination, advocacy strategies, and gender empowerment initiatives.
The two-day advocacy training workshop aimed to craft a comprehensive action plan on HCD for Sierra Leone, with the government’s collaboration with Africa HCD+ serving as its cornerstone. Participants, including government officials, development partners, and civil society representatives, were urged to actively contribute to shaping Sierra Leone’s human capital development trajectory.
As curtains drew on the event, participants expressed buoyant optimism regarding the collaborative efforts and their potential to catalyze transformative change in Sierra Leone’s future. Unified by a shared commitment to investing in the nation’s people, they embarked on a collective journey toward a more prosperous and sustainable tomorrow.
For media inquiries, the Ministry of Planning & Economic Development Communications Team can be reached at +23279174027 or through the Ministry’s official Facebook page and Twitter handle: @moped2024.
