LocationsVice President of Sierra Leone launches Global Human Development Report
March 23, 2024
Vice President of Sierra Leone, H.E Hon. Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh speaking at the launch of the 2023/2024 Human Development Report
The Vice President of Sierra Leone, H.E Hon. Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has officially launched the 2023/2024 the global Human Development Report.The event, attended by government officials, civil society representatives, and international partners, marks a significant milestone in the country's commitment to advancing human development and sustainable progress.
The Global Human Development Report, published annually by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), provides a comprehensive analysis of global trends in human development, highlighting key challenges and opportunities facing societies worldwide. This year’s report is titled “Breaking the gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarized world” .
The report highlights rising inequalities between rich and poor countries despite existing global interdependencies. It indicates that the world is off track to meet the 2030 Agenda and the promise to leave no one behind.
Delivering his keynote address, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh underscored the importance of the Human Development Report as a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and citizens alike. He emphasized Sierra Leone's strong commitment to promoting human development, fostering inclusive growth, and leaving no one behind on the path to sustainable development.
Fredrick Ampiah , UNDP Sierra Leone Resident Representative
In his welcome statement, the UNDP Sierra Leone’s Resident Representative, Fredrick Ampiah described the report as a beacon of light in collectivereimagining of cooperation and solidarity in response to unprecedented challenges.
“We live in a world where progress is not guaranteed, where disparities persist and where the most vulnerable are often left behind. Yet, in the face of adversity, we find resilience. We find the strength to forge ahead, to defy the odds and to build a future that is brighter and more equitable for all”, Mr. Ampiah said.
He advocated for proactive measures to advance human development. Mr. Ampiah said, “Let us seize this moment as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to human development, both here in Sierra Leone and around the world. Let us rise above the challenges that divide us and embrace the opportunities that unite us. Together, we can break the gridlock, we can reimagine cooperation and we can build a future that is brighter and more inclusive for generations to come”.
Minister of Development and Economic Planning, Madam Kenyeh Barlay
The Minister of Development and Economic Planning, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, emphasized the significance of the report's launch, noting its dual role in unveiling the current state of human development and delving into critical factors that drive progress. She highlighted key drivers such as microeconomic stability, education, healthcare, water and sanitation, youth development, food security and nutrition, and gender empowerment, underlining the comprehensive nature of the report's analysis.
She said the theme of the report, ‘Breaking the gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarized world’, was indeed appropriate, particularly as the country and the world are facing multiple crises, which threatens to undermine the aspirations to achieving the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the 2063 regional agenda for “The Africa we want”.
She called for collective efforts on the implementation of the recommendations in the report. Among the recommendations are the establishment of new and expanded financial mechanisms and international cooperation that complements humanitarian assistance and the traditional development aid to low-income countries; and the adoption of new governance approaches to reduce political polarization and enhance people’s voices, representation, and tackle misinformation.
A group photo with the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Hon.Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh after the launch of the Human Development Report
The UNDP Sierra Leone Economic Adviser, Mabulara Tsuene presented the findings and highlighted that Sierra Leone is among the bottom ten countries in the low human development category, with Human Development Index of 0.458, and ranked 184 out of 193 countries and territories. However, she said, in the period between 1990 and 2022, Sierra Leone’s HDI value improved by 45.9%, from 0.314 to 0.458. The life expectancy at birth changed by 16.4 years and expected mean years of schooling changed by 4.4 years, although the GNI per capita declined slightly by 8.6% between the same period.
The event took place at the View Conference Hall, Freetown City Council on Thursday 21st March 2024
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