The Parliament of Sierra Leone convened its Annual Donor Meeting by engaging key development partners to garner support for its 5-Year Strategic Plan.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Indian High Commission, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), European Union, World Bank, Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), UNIDO, Irish Embassy, and other esteemed partners.

In his welcoming statement, the Clerk of Parliament, Karmoh K. Conteh expressed gratitude to the development partners for their presence, despite their busy schedules. The Clerk of Parliament highlighted Parliament’s achievements in capacity building and infrastructure, attributing them to the support of its partners. Karmoh K. Conteh spoke on the need for continued support to implementing the Strategic Plan, emphasizing its importance in driving necessary reforms.

Rt. Hon. Speaker, Segepoh Solomon Thomas underscored the engagement’s significance to Parliament’s co-creation initiatives, aligning visions and sharing ideas. He outlined the Strategic Plan’s three foundational pillars: Good Governance and Institutional Strengthening, Democratic Accountability and Oversight of the Executive, and Legislative Scrutiny and Meaningful Citizens Engagements.

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“We invite you to engage deeply with our strategic priorities, align your support with our pillars, and join us in fostering political ownership and public accountability,” Rt. Hon. Thomas said.

Development partners responded positively, pledging support to various areas.

Zhang Dianbin, Minister of Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, praised Parliament’s initiative and assured of their continued support in capacity building, and infrastructural development for the Parliament of Sierra Leone.

Baisnab Charan Pradhan, Indian High Commissioner, commended Parliament’s engagement and committed to supporting the Strategic Plan, offering training opportunities in India.

Kevin Petrini, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, expressed appreciation for the engagement, highlighting support in digitalization, E-Parliament drive, service delivery, transparency, and accountability.

Emilio Rossetti, European Union Deputy Head of Mission, affirmed EU’s interest in supporting Parliament, citing ongoing support and future collaborations.

Other development partners affirmed similar commitments, with the meeting culminating with a group photo.

The engagement has demonstrated Parliament’s dedication to strengthening partnerships and driving democratic governance in Sierra Leone.

The 5-Year Strategic Plan aims to position Parliament as an engine of democratic governance, focusing on effective oversight, transparency, and citizens engagements. With development partners’ support, Parliament is poised to drive positive change, promoting accountability and good governance in Sierra Leone.

The meeting showcased Parliament’s commitment to collaboration, transparency, and transformative impact, setting the stage for meaningful partnerships and collective progress towards a more accountable and responsive governance system in Sierra Leone.