MTNDP IS A BEACON OF HOPE, A PROMISE FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR SIERRA LEONEANS- United Nations -Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana

By Morlai Sesay

The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, lauded Sierra Leone's Medium Term National Development Plan as a beacon of hope and a promise for a brighter future for the people of Sierra Leone.

In the next five years, Wakana expressed optimism about the United Nations working with its national counterparts to ensure that the United Nations Cooperative Framework (CF) is aligned with the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) as best as possible.

"As we embark on this journey, I recognize the diverse strengths of this country, the resilience of its people, the richness of your cultural heritage, and the abundance of natural resources. I believe that this National Development Plan will harness these strengths and leverage them for the collective well-being of all Sierra Leoneans. We all understand that sustainable development can only be achieved when all share the benefits. I urge all players to ensure that the programs in this plan prioritize vulnerable communities, ensuring they have equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. I am convinced that the priority areas in this plan will ensure transformative development for Sierra Leone as we approach the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs,” she said.

In the face of global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical conflicts that have caused supply chain disruption, she stressed that it is important to note that the Sierra Leone Medium Term National Development Plan embraces the imperative of environmental stewardship and resilience to external shocks. She asserted that the United Nations commits to sustainable practices, climate-resilient infrastructure, and preserving natural heritage for future generations.

According to the resident coordinator, the UN acknowledges that the achievement of development goals requires collaboration on a global scale. "We stand ready to work hand in hand with the Government and other partners to leverage collective expertise and resources for the greater good of all Sierra Leoneans.

The success of this National Development Plan will be measured not just in economic indicators but in the tangible improvements in the lives of the people of Sierra Leone. We aspire for a nation where every child receives a quality education, where healthcare is accessible to all, and where poverty is relegated to the pages of history", says the resident coordinator.

Wakana reiterated that the launching of the National Development Plan is a beacon of hope, a promise for a brighter tomorrow. "Let us all embark on this journey with optimism, unity, and a shared determination to overcome challenges. Together, we can turn our vision into reality, creating a future where Sierra Leone stands as a shining example of sustainable development and global cooperation", she implored.

As she embarked on a national consultation and strategic workshop held in Makeni on the 31st of January 2024, Seraphine Wakana, the Resident Coordinator of UN Sierra Leone, said that the organization prioritizes inclusive development in shaping the country’s future.

 Wakana maintains that inclusivity stands at the heart of the UN’s efforts to create an environment where every individual, irrespective of background or circumstance, could actively contribute to and benefit from collective growth.”

The Resident Coordinator emphasized the dynamic nature of the upcoming framework, emphasizing its role as a living proof of their commitment to progress, equity, and sustainable development.

Touching on the challenges posed by global economic uncertainties, she stressed the necessity for sustainability in UN Sierra Leone’s development interventions, highlighting that financial sustainability, environmental responsibility, and the conservation of natural resources are crucial to ensure the well-being of present and future generations. The Resident Coordinator eventually reiterated the need to foster an environment where innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsible business practices could flourish.