The Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development in Sierra Leone, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, has on the 8th December 2023 reassured UNICEF of government’s commitment to collaborate with them in developmental issues in the country.

He made this affirmation during a Strategic Moment of Reflection meeting that addressed the new GoSL-UNICEF Country Programme Cooperation for 2025-2030, with an overview provided by the Development Secretary at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Peter Sam-Kpakra.

Kpakra emphasized the development of the Country Programme Cooperation to accelerate progress towards SDGs 2030, recognizing UNICEF’s vital role in implementing the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP 2019-2023). UNICEF Sierra Leone, represented by Rudolf Schwenk, expressed delight at collaborative efforts, focusing on education, health, water, sanitation, and care for children.

Jonathan Lewis, UNICEF’s Deputy Regional Director for West and Central Africa, urged reflection on achievements under the 2020-2024 Country Programme and emphasized the need for continued efforts towards Sustainable Development Goals. Rev. Dr. Titus-Williams highlighted UNICEF’s pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s socioeconomic transformation, aligning with the government’s Big Five Game Changers.

The Deputy Minister maintained that the draft National Development Plan is very important in guiding the new GoSL-UNICEF Country Programme Document for 2025-2030, encouraging collaboration to address challenges. Presentations covered UNICEF’s support, lessons learned, and key strategies, aligning with Sierra Leone’s development plan.