Sierra Leone Ministers Gain New Insights on Government Delivery at Columbia University
Aaron Parker About a dozen Sierra Leonean ministers have gained new insights into government delivery, policy implementation and leadership during an executive seminar held at Columbia University in New York.
The seminar, held on September 23, 2026, at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, brought together the ministers on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly to examine practical approaches to addressing complex government challenges.
The programme focused on systems thinking, implementation science and the use of evidence in strengthening public policy and practice. Discussions examined how government leaders can better connect national priorities with implementation and translate policies into measurable outcomes for citizens.
The seminar was facilitated by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, through the Ministry’s ongoing partnership with Columbia University.
Minister Bah said President Julius Maada Bio had encouraged the delegation to use their time in New York not only for international engagements but also to pursue opportunities that could strengthen their knowledge and leadership capacity.
For Energy Minister Cyril Grant, the seminar provided an opportunity to examine how the responsibilities of individual ministries contribute to wider government priorities.
Grant highlighted the importance of a whole-of-government approach, noting that challenges within one sector can intersect with other areas, including public health, and therefore require coordinated responses across government.
Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security Umaru Napoleon Koroma described the session on systems thinking as particularly informative. He said the knowledge gained would help him approach complex issues within his ministry from a broader perspective.
The programme was led by senior faculty from Columbia University’s Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, including Helen DePinho, Patrick Kachur and Nicole Haberland. The department’s Chair, Professor Thoại D. Ngô, provided overall leadership for the seminar.
Professor Ngô commended Minister Bah for facilitating the delegation’s participation and acknowledged the ministers for making time for the programme during the busy UN General Assembly week.
He also reaffirmed Columbia University’s commitment to its continued collaboration with Sierra Leone, particularly in health, development and leadership.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education said the engagement demonstrates the practical value of Sierra Leone’s international partnerships, particularly in providing government leaders with access to global expertise and new approaches that can strengthen public-sector performance.
Minister Bah said the partnership with Columbia University is intended to connect Sierra Leonean leaders with knowledge and expertise that can contribute to improved government outcomes and service delivery.
The seminar forms part of efforts to strengthen leadership capacity and support the government’s broader objective of translating national policies and priorities into tangible results for citizens.