Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barley, delivered two significant interventions at the g7+ Summit held in Freetown, representing President Julius Maada Bio. These interventions underscored Sierra Leone’s leadership within the g7+ group, a coalition of conflict-affected and fragile states.

Speaking at the national conference at Brookfields Hotel on Tuesday, Minister Barley emphasized the summit’s role in fostering international cooperation for peace and stability among member nations. She highlighted that the summit serves as a crucial platform for dialogue and strategic planning, aiming to enhance collaboration across the g7+ countries.

One of Sierra Leone’s key contributions was a proposal regarding the future direction and rebranding of the g7+ name, a move that received backing from other member states. Additionally, Barley addressed the scheduling of future summits, ensuring that ongoing discussions remain focused on collaboration and the promotion of shared goals.

Sierra Leone has chaired the g7+ group for the past eleven years, reflecting its commitment to the coalition’s objectives. The g7+ advocates for improved international policies for fragile and conflict-affected states, emphasizing the inclusion of Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions, within the broader Agenda 2030 framework.

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The g7+ group operates under the principles of the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States, prioritizing national ownership, context-sensitive policies, and predictable aid. The coalition has been instrumental in mobilizing international support during humanitarian crises, with member states like Timor-Leste, Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone receiving aid during critical moments, such as electoral processes and the Ebola epidemic.

The summit in Freetown reinforces Sierra Leone’s pivotal role in steering the g7+ group’s mission to sustain peace and build resilience among its member countries.