Sierra Leone Deputy Development Minister, Dr. Jonathan Titus Williams, advocated for Global Solidarity at the 2023 Busan Global Partnership Forum. 

The deputy minister made the statement in a Partnership Forum on the theme ‘Delivering Better Together for Sustainable Development Laveraging Effective Development Cooperation” where served as the Co-Chair of the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and State building (IDPS), as he called for heightened global solidarity to address pressing challenges faced by African nations, particularly those affected by conflict and fragility.

Addressing the recent failed coup in Sierra Leone on November 26, 2023, Dr. Williams highlighted the grim realities faced by African nations, including increased radicalization, violent extremism, terrorism, online hate speech, and political instability. He stressed the challenges in pursuing national development and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), revealing that only 12% of SDGs are on track, with none of the targets for SDG 16 – Peaceful, Just, and Inclusive Societies, close to achievement in conflict-affected and fragile countries.

As Co-Chair of the IDPS and Chair of the g7+ countries in Africa, Dr. Williams outlined four key areas to accelerate progress on SDG 16 and the broader 2030 Agenda. These areas include inclusive and people-centered approaches grounded in human security, joint multilateral action, reversing trends of deficient aid to conflict-affected countries, and increased investment in peacebuilding and prevention.