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The outgoing UNICEF Resident Representative to Sierra Leone, Rudolf Schwenk, has paid a farewell courtesy visit to the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, at her Tower Hill office in Freetown.
The visit marks the end of Mr. Schwenk’s nearly three-year tenure, which began in May 2023.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed the partnership between UNICEF and the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly in areas such as child rights, health, education, nutrition, data systems, and social protection. They also discussed ways to strengthen planning systems and improve development outcomes for children and vulnerable communities.
Minister Barlay commended Mr. Schwenk for his leadership and UNICEF’s continued support to national development priorities. She emphasized government efforts to modernize planning systems through innovation, digital transformation, and improved access to reliable data.
“The future of development planning lies in evidence, technology, and collaboration. We want communities to have access to reliable information that can support local prioritization, investment decisions, and accountability,” she said.
She outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen chiefdom-level planning, digitize community data collection, and improve real-time access to development information to support national decision-making. She also noted that Sierra Leone is exploring the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence to enhance data analysis and service delivery.
Mr. Schwenk highlighted progress made in child survival, health, and social development despite global economic challenges. He called for continued investment in public financing for children, stronger institutions, and scaling up of successful pilot programmes.
“Sierra Leone has made important progress, particularly in child survival and social sector reforms. The country has shown commitment, leadership, and openness to innovation and evidence-based planning,” he said.
He also underscored the role of digital systems and artificial intelligence in improving development planning and efficiency.
Development Secretary Ambrose James praised UNICEF’s technical support in strengthening national planning systems, data platforms, and coordination mechanisms.
“The dashboard and data systems are becoming central tools for planning and policy discussions. We want decisions to be guided by credible evidence so that resources go where they are needed most,” he said.
The Government also acknowledged UNICEF’s support in district development planning and capacity building across sectors.
The meeting ended with mutual appreciation, with both sides reaffirming commitment to sustaining the partnership aimed at improving the lives of children across Sierra Leone.
