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The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), in partnership with Sightsavers Sierra Leone, has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the country’s development agenda.
The announcement came during a validation workshop on the status of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, held at Buxton Church Hall, Charles Street, Freetown.
The workshop formed part of the post-2024 Voluntary National Review (VNR) follow-up, aimed at tracking progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening inclusion across national policies.
The event brought together government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, and disability advocacy groups. Discussions focused on the findings of a rapid assessment conducted after Sierra Leone’s VNR presentation in New York, highlighting achievements, challenges, and next steps for inclusive growth.
Delivering the keynote statement, MoPED Development Secretary One, Mr. Usman Cherry Conteh, commended Sightsavers for its continued partnership in advancing disability rights and described the workshop as a “critical step toward embedding equity and accessibility in the implementation of the SDGs.”
He emphasized that the government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP 2024-2030) remains aligned with global goals.
Rev. Abubakar Bakay Sesay, speaking on behalf of Sightsavers, stressed the importance of strong monitoring and follow-up mechanisms to ensure that inclusion policies translate into real impact. Pastor Samuel Alpha Sesay of the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI) added that “tracking implementation is key to transforming commitments into visible change for persons with disabilities.”
Throughout the session, participants examined key sectors including education, infrastructure, housing, digital inclusion, and access to justice. They identified persistent barriers and developed actionable recommendations to promote equitable service delivery.
The workshop concluded with a collective pledge to strengthen collaboration between government, development partners, and advocacy groups, ensuring that persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations are fully integrated into Sierra Leone’s development process.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/100068969597270/posts/1121028686872774/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
