STATEMENT BY
H.E. Mrs. Francess Piagie Alghali
Deputy Minister Of Foreign Affairs And International Cooperation
Your Excellency Kenyeh Ballay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chair of the g7+,
Honourable Ministers of g7+ Countries,
Your Excellency Dr. Helder da Costa, General Secretary of the g7+,
Excellencies Ambassadors, Delegates,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, allow me to convey, on behalf of the delegation of Sierra Leone, our deep appreciation to the Government and People of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements in hosting this 6th Ministerial Meeting of the g7+. We are honoured to return to the historic city of Dil, a symbol of resilience and hope, and birthplace of the g7+.
We are also grateful to the g7+ Secretariat for its invaluable efforts in preparing for this important meeting.
This gathering, which marks the 15th anniversary of the g7+, is both a milestone and a moment of reflection. It reminds us of how far we have come as nations that once faced conflict and fragility, and of the possibilities that lie ahead when we act in unity and with resolve.
Sierra Leone remains firmly committed to the founding vision of the g7+, a vision grounded in solidarity, mutual support, and peer learning among countries with shared experiences of fragility, and a shared determination to build peaceful and resilient societies. We therefore welcome the theme of this year’s meeting: “Fifteen Years of Unity: Shaping the Future of Peace and Resilience in the g7+ Countries.” It speaks both to our journey and to the future we are striving to shape together.
Over the past decade as Chair, Sierra Leone has worked diligently, alongside member States and the Secretariat, to ensure that the voice of the g7+ resonates on the global stage. Together, we have achieved notable milestones, including attaining Observer Status at the United Nations General Assembly and participating, for the first time, in a UN Security Council open debate on peacebuilding and conflict prevention, held under Sierra Leone’s presidency in August 2024. These achievements reflect the growing recognition of the g7+, not merely as post-conflict countries, but as proactive contributors to global peace, peacebuilding, and development.
Excellencies,
We meet at a time of converging global crises, from violent conflicts and economic volatility to climate shocks, unsustainable debt burdens, and a weakening of multilateralism. These challenges are felt most profoundly in fragile contexts. Our collective response must therefore be marked by renewed solidarity and resilience, ensuring that no g7+ country is left behind.
We are deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian and security conditions in countries affected by active conflict. Civilians, particularly women and children, continue to bear the brunt of these crises. Upholding human dignity and protecting fundamental rights must remain central to our common purpose.
The urgency of the current moment compels us to act with unity and resolve. As we strengthen our collective efforts, I wish to highlight three key areas of focus:
First, we must deepen our strategic presence and engagement across United Nations platforms. Building on our increased visibility during the recent UN Summit of the Future, we must enhance coordination across the General Assembly, Security Council, and ECOSOC. Speaking with one voice and articulating clearly defined positions will ensure our priorities and national contexts are meaningfully reflected in global decision-making, consistent with the principles of the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States.
We must align our priorities with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Pact for the Future, and the commitments of the New Deal, particularly in areas of peacebuilding, development financing, and digital cooperation. We know that peace is foundational for sustainable development, and sustainable development is essential for lasting peace.
Second, we must prioritize the mobilization of resources for context-specific, country-led initiatives. The multiple crises we face, from conflict and hunger to debt and climate change, demand not only urgent attention but also flexible financing, sustained partnerships, and long-term political support. Our development partners must stand with us in advancing nationally driven solutions, rather than externally imposed models.
Our advocacy must focus on securing concrete commitments from partners to invest in cooperation modalities that are led by and for g7+ countries. Creating an enabling environment for such investment will be critical, including addressing systemic barriers that hinder our access to vital resources.
We commend the g7+ Secretariat for its tireless efforts to amplify our collective voice, foster partnerships, and spotlight both the needs and the capacities of our member states.
Third, as we harness the opportunities of digital transformation, we must ensure it does not deepen existing inequalities. Fragile states must be equipped to benefit from science, technology, and innovation to improve governance, strengthen institutions, and deliver essential services more effectively.
Sierra Leone further underscores the importance of youth engagement in our efforts toward peace and prosperity. Our young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they are the innovators and change-makers of today. Their voices and participation must be integrated into all spheres of governance, peacebuilding, and development.
In closing, Sierra Leone reiterates the call for a more inclusive and representative global governance architecture. The g7+ has a vested interest in ongoing reforms of the United Nations system. Only a truly representative multilateral order can deliver peace, justice, and opportunity for all.
Finally, I call on all g7+ member States and our partners to renew our shared commitment to peace, resilience, and inclusive progress. Let us move forward together, with purpose, unity, and the belief that a better future is not only possible but within our reach.
I thank you.
