Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Her Excellency Madam Kenyeh Barlay, has reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during her address at the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development. Speaking at the forum held under the theme “Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive, Science and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Its SDGs – Leaving No One Behind”, Madam Barlay acknowledged the critical role of the United Nations in guiding global efforts towards inclusive and sustainable development. She thanked the UN for its continued leadership in coordinating SDG implementation across member states, describing it as a pillar of global solidarity. “Sierra Leone remains fully committed to the SDGs as a central framework for national, regional, and global transformation,” Madam Barlay declared. “Our Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) is fully aligned with the Goals, and we strongly support this year’s HLPF theme, which emphasizes inclusive, science-based, and evidence-driven solutions grounded in local realities.” Madam Barlay highlighted significant progress Sierra Leone has made on the key SDGs under review in 2025. In the area of Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), the country has expanded access to essential health services, leading to improved maternal and child health outcomes, while also strengthening disease surveillance systems and pandemic preparedness capacities. In advancing Gender Equality (SDG 5), the government is actively implementing the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act of 2023. This includes measures to promote women’s political participation and intensified efforts to combat gender-based violence across communities. On Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), youth employment and entrepreneurship have been identified as one of the five key Game-Changing interventions in the current MTNDP. The government has expanded access to skills development and introduced more support mechanisms for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, as a means of empowering the youth and boosting economic productivity. Regarding Life Below Water (SDG 14), Sierra Leone has increased the coverage of marine protected areas and implemented robust measures to tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, thereby contributing to sustainable marine resource management. In relation to Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), the country has made notable progress through enhanced cooperation with development partners, strengthened data systems, and greater investment in digital infrastructure aimed at accelerating innovation and improving service delivery. The Minister also emphasized the importance of Sierra Leone’s national Accelerator Goals — Inclusive and Quality Education (SDG 4) and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). Through the Free Quality School Education programme, which was the flagship initiative of the previous national development plan and remains a core priority under the Human Capital Development Game-Changer of the 2024–2030 MTNDP, the government has continued to widen access to education, reduce gender and geographical disparities, and improve foundational learning outcomes. On the governance front, the government is deepening institutional reforms, promoting public sector accountability, expanding access to justice, and fostering social cohesion through inclusive governance structures and greater civic participation. Despite these achievements, Madam Barlay noted that the road to achieving the 2030 Agenda remains severely challenged by persistent financing gaps. She stressed that the global financing landscape is under significant stress, with developing countries like Sierra Leone burdened by rising debt, constrained fiscal space, and heightened exposure to external shocks. In response, Sierra Leone is pursuing a range of innovative financing strategies. These include strengthening domestic resource mobilisation, improving transparency and governance in the management of natural resources, and curbing illicit financial flows. The country is also actively exploring climate finance opportunities and promoting public-private partnerships as alternative avenues to unlock sustainable investment. “As we enter the final stretch to 2030, the urgency to act has never been greater,” she concluded. “Sierra Leone calls for renewed global solidarity, bold political will, and science-based innovation to accelerate inclusive development. Together, we must ensure that no one — absolutely no one — is left behind.” The Minister was accompanied by the Development Secretary, Ambrose James , Director PPR , Dr. Sheka Bangura and Director DACO,Haja Abie Elizabeth Kamara. For more information, please contact Alfred Kabia at +232 79174027, or visit MoPED’s social media platforms: Twitter (@moped2025), Facebook, or the official website at www.moped.gov.sl.