A3 Plus Statement By
H.E. Madam Kenyeh Barlay
Minister Of Planning And Economic Development Of Sierra Leone
At The United Nations 2025 High-Level Political Forum On The 2030 Agenda And Sdgs
Theme: Advancing Sustainable Inclusive, Science And Evidence-Based Solutions For The 2030 Agenda For Sustainable Development And Its Sdgs For Leaving No One Behind
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, I extend our sincere appreciation to the United Nations for its steadfast leadership in coordinating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across member states. Your continued commitment has served as a pillar of global solidarity, guiding collective efforts towards sustainable and inclusive development.
Sierra Leone remains fully committed to the SDGs as a central framework for national, regional, and global transformation. The Goals continue to inform our national development priorities and planning processes, aligning with our Medium-Term National Development Plan. We strongly uphold the theme of this year’s HLPF, believing that inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions — anchored in local realities and global solidarity — are essential to accelerating implementation and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Since our last engagement, Sierra Leone has made tangible progress in the SDGs under review in 2025. On SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), we have expanded access to essential health services, improved maternal and child health outcomes, and strengthened disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness. In advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality), the Government is implementing initiatives that support the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act of 2023, including increased women’s political participation, and scaled-up efforts to address gender-based violence. On SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), we have promoted youth entrepreneurship, as youth employment has been identified of one of the Big 5 game-changing interventions in our current MTNDP, with improved access to skills development, and support to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises being integral to the identified intervention strategies. Under SDG 14 (Life Below Water), we have increased marine protected areas and implemented stronger measures to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Progress on SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) is evident in our strengthened cooperation with development partners, enhanced data systems, and increased investment in digital infrastructure to drive innovation.
We have also continued to prioritise our national Accelerator Goals, SDG 4 (Inclusive and Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and under the HCD gamStrong Institutions). Through our Free Quality School Education programme, the flagship intervention of our previous NDP and continuing to be a priority under Human Capital Development Game changer of the current MTNDP 2024-2030, we continued to expand access to education, reduce disparities across gender and geography, and strengthen foundational learning. On SDG 16, we are deepening institutional reforms, improving public sector accountability, enhancing access to justice, and promoting social cohesion through inclusive governance and civic engagement.
However, as we are all fully aware, achieving the 2030 Agenda remains severely constrained by persistent development financing challenges. The global financing landscape is under stress, and developing countries face rising debt burdens, limited fiscal space, and growing vulnerability to external shocks.
Accordingly, Sierra Leone acknowledges the urgent need for innovative financing mechanisms. We are strengthening domestic resource mobilisation, improving governance in the management of our natural resources, and stepping up efforts to curb illicit financial flows. We are also exploring climate financing opportunities and fostering public-private partnerships to unlock new sources of sustainable investment.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
As we approach the final stretch to 2030, the urgency to act is greater than ever. Sierra Leone reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the SDGs and calls for renewed global solidarity, bold political will, and science-based innovation to drive inclusive development. Together, let us accelerate our collective ambition and ensure that no one — absolutely no one — is left behind.
I thank you.