Freetown, October 23, 2023 – Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, led a historic initiative with the launch of the National Climate Resilience and Energy Transition Dialogue at Freetown City Hall.
The event, graced by the country’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, showcased a united commitment to Sierra Leone’s prosperity and environmental well-being.
Under the guidance of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, this dialogue serves as a vital platform for in-depth discussions between the government and its partners.
In his address, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio emphasized the urgency of addressing climate challenges in Sierra Leone, given its vulnerability to environmental shifts. He stressed the importance of transitioning to low-carbon energy sources, aligning with the nation’s development goals while combatting greenhouse gas emissions.
President Bio also highlighted the need to eradicate energy poverty, which is crucial for the nation’s industrialization and economic growth, a key component of his Five Game Changers initiative.
The President expressed confidence in Sierra Leone’s potential to become a regional leader in clean energy access, climate resilience, and food security, calling for collective support to realize this vision.
Head of the Presidential Initiative, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, shared optimism regarding the dialogue’s potential impact and the importance of collaboration with partners to address climate change challenges while fostering economic development.
The dialogue aims to align programs and policies with President Bio’s Five Game Changers and create a robust Financing Unit within the Ministry of Finance for effective resource utilization.
Anticipated outcomes of the dialogue include a just Energy Transition Plan, a climate-resilient Agricultural and Food Systems Strategy, locally-led Climate Action Programs, and contributions to COP28 objectives.
Mr. Sheku Fantamadi F. Bangura, the Minister of Finance, stressed the need for substantial financial commitments to drive Sierra Leone’s transition to clean energy, climate resilience, and poverty alleviation.
