SL Highlights Commitment to Ocean Sustainability at APRM Side Event in New York

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, has reaffirmed her country’s commitment to sustainable ocean governance and environmental protection at a high-level side event organized by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) on the margins of the ongoing United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York.

The event, themed “A Sustainable Ocean Economy for People, Planet and Prosperity: The Role of Policy and Institutional Coherence,” convened African leaders, policymakers, and development experts to explore how improved coordination among institutions and across policies can support the transition to a sustainable and inclusive ocean economy.

In her statement, Minister Barlay highlighted Sierra Leone’s proactive steps toward effective ocean management, emphasizing that sustainable ocean development is deeply interwoven with the country’s broader development agenda and global commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She outlined the strategic vision of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, anchored in the Five Big Game Changers, which she described as the foundation for Sierra Leone’s inclusive and sustainable development:

1. Feed Salone Initiative – A transformative agricultural agenda aimed at ensuring food security and reducing dependency on food imports.
2. Human Capital Development – Prioritizing investments in education, health, and social protection to build a skilled and healthy population.
3. Youth Employment Scheme – Creating sustainable job opportunities for young people through skills training, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
4. Public Sector Reform – Enhancing governance, transparency, and accountability to strengthen state institutions.
5. Technology and Infrastructure Advancement – Expanding digital transformation, green innovation, and modern infrastructure to accelerate development.

“These pillars are not only critical to Sierra Leone’s growth,” she stated, “but are aligned with the SDGs and reflect our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, resilience, and equity.”

Call for Regional and Global Partnership

Minister Barlay also emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between governments, development partners, and regional institutions to translate national policies into tangible outcomes for coastal communities and future generations. She noted that policy and institutional coherence is vital to ensuring that the ocean economy delivers benefits across multiple sectors—fisheries, tourism, climate resilience, and livelihoods—without compromising ecological sustainability.

“We must move beyond fragmented approaches. A truly sustainable ocean economy requires that we integrate our policies, harmonize our institutions, and prioritize the needs of our people and planet,” she affirmed.

Regional Dialogue and Knowledge Sharing

The APRM side event brought together representatives from member states, the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, and key environmental and economic stakeholders. Discussions focused on:

• Aligning national development plans with blue economy strategies
• Leveraging regional mechanisms to support ocean governance
• Financing sustainable ocean projects
• Empowering coastal communities through inclusive policies
• Integrating climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation into economic planning

Minister Barlay’s participation reflects Sierra Leone’s growing leadership in sustainable development dialogue, particularly on issues related to marine ecosystems, climate change resilience, and the blue economy.

As a coastal nation with rich marine biodiversity and a population heavily dependent on ocean-based livelihoods, Sierra Leone views sustainable ocean governance as a development imperative, not just an environmental concern.

Looking Ahead

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development continues to work with regional and global partners to ensure that Sierra Leone remains a strong voice for environmental integrity, inclusive growth, and resilient development. The outcomes of the APRM event are expected to inform national planning processes and bolster the country’s participation in ongoing global efforts to protect the ocean for future generations.