UN Urges Local Action on Poverty, Inequality, Climate Resilience
Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a significant step toward grassroots-driven development, Sierra Leone has positioned itself at the forefront of regional efforts to localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063, guided by the principle of subsidiarity—placing decision-making authority as close to communities as possible.
This commitment was highlighted during a three-day national conference held from September 9–11 at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. Organized by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the event sought to advance the practical application of subsidiarity in development planning and implementation across the country.
A Call for Partnerships and Decentralization
Opening the conference, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh stressed that partnerships remain central to Sierra Leone’s development progress. He commended stakeholders for their collaboration with government and reiterated that local councils and towns are frontline agents of transformation.
“Subsidiarity is a key governance principle,” Dr. Sengeh noted. “Empowering local actors is fundamental to sustainable growth.”
Dr. Sengeh underscored Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to integrate the SDGs and Agenda 2063 into local governance structures, pointing to both challenges and opportunities. He advocated for innovative solutions, including the empowerment of local councils and the expansion of mobile money systems to enhance tax collection and resource mobilization at the grassroots level.
Aligning Global Goals with Local Action
Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, welcomed national and international partners, emphasizing the importance of aligning global development frameworks with local realities. She highlighted the growing momentum behind the initiative, noting the need for equipped personnel and practical planning tools to ensure effective program delivery.
Minister Barlay further urged partners to prioritize chiefdom development and think creatively about resource mobilization to sustain progress.
The Role of Local Authorities
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Fedrick Ampiah reinforced the central role of local authorities in achieving the SDGs. He encouraged local governments to embed the goals into planning, budgeting, and community engagement, framing localization as a powerful tool to combat poverty, inequality, and climate vulnerability.
Ampiah reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to capacity building and inclusive development, while also calling for greater involvement of youth, women, and marginalized groups as agents of change. Congratulating Sierra Leone on its voluntary local reviews in three districts, he described localization as the “guiding compass” for transforming global aspirations into meaningful community outcomes.
Grassroots-Driven Future
The conference affirmed Sierra Leone’s growing leadership in translating global development agendas into local action, demonstrating a firm commitment to inclusive growth. By empowering communities, strengthening local governance, and fostering innovation, the country continues to ensure that no community is left behind in the journey toward a sustainable future.
