LocationsSierra Leone takes its SDGs messages to the streets.
October 12, 2023
A group photo of some participants at the SDGs Street Carnival
Sierra Leone is one of the countries that have committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, a global agenda to address poverty, inequality, and climate change. The country recently presented its SDG Acceleration Roadmap at the United Nations General Assembly, outlining its strategic priorities and actions for the next seven years.
The Roadmap focuses mainly on three priority SDGs: ending poverty (SDG 1), ending hunger (SDG 2), and reducing inequality (SDG 10). In line with the Government Big five game changers, it specifies fifteen concrete actions that will help Sierra Leone reach these goals faster and more effectively.
To raise awareness and mobilize support for the SDGs, the Government of Sierra Leone, under the leadership of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, in collaboration with the Volunteers Involving Organizations Network (VIONet), and UNDP, organized an SDG Carnival at Lumley Beach on Sunday October 8, 2023.
The SDGs Carnival was a local adaptation of the Global Goals Week, a worldwide initiative to showcase the collective efforts of different stakeholders to advance the SDGs.
Some UNDP staff at the SDGs Street Carnival
UNDP serves as a key partner to the Government of Sierra Leone in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the execution of the National Development Plan with various development initiatives being implemented across the country.
On behalf of the Resident Representative of Sierra Leone, the Senior Economist and Head of Strategic policy Unit, Dr Ligane Massamba Sene, reiterated UNDP’s commitment to continue supporting the government’s efforts to implement the SDGs Acceleration Roadmap and achieve the desired level of progress.
He encouraged Sierra Leonean's to proactively embrace the SDGs by deepening our understanding, actively engaging in SDGs - related activities, and taking tangible, personal actions to advance these goals. He said that the Carnival provides an opportunity to drive momentum for action on the ground and promote transformative solutions to accelerate progress.
M. Peter Sam Kpakra, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development delivering the government statement.
Government to seek stronger partnership deliver on the SDGs.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, M. Peter Sam Kpakra, urged Sierra Leoneans to actively participate in the SDGs.
He said that the government is committed to strengthening its partnership with various stakeholders to deliver on the SDGs. He emphasized on the importance of the Acceleration Roadmap for advancing the implementation of the SDGs in the remaining 7 years of the 2030 Agenda.
He described the roadmap as "a well-thought-out plan to transform lives and enhance sustainable development in our country".
The SDG'sstreet carnival, which was attended by government officials, UN staff, CSO's members and the public, took place at the popular Lumley beach. The event raised awareness and encouraged more collaborative efforts in achieving the SDGs.
