VP Jalloh Calls for Stronger Partnerships
In a historic move aimed at recognizing and enhancing the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Sierra Leone’s development landscape, Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, officially launched the country’s first-ever NGO Week on Thursday, February 27, 2025. This landmark event, held in commemoration of World NGO Day, was themed: “Empowering Communities for Sustainable Development” and underscored the invaluable contributions of NGOs to national progress.
Speaking at the launch, Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, lauded the tireless efforts of NGOs in Sierra Leone and globally, emphasizing their pivotal role in improving lives through collaboration with the Government, development partners, the private sector and local communities. He urged NGOs and development partners to reflect on their strategies in the face of dwindling development aid financing, calling for innovative approaches that ensure sustainability and community ownership of interventions.
“This event is not only about recognition, but also about redefining how NGOs can be more impactful in a rapidly changing world,” Vice President Jalloh stated. He encouraged organizations to capitalize on emerging global trends, strengthen partnerships and prioritize strategic planning to maximize their impact.
The NGO Week, organized by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), served as a platform to celebrate and enhance the effectiveness of NGOs operating in Sierra Leone. The initiative aims to foster collaboration between NGOs and the Government, while reinforcing transparency and accountability in the sector.
Earlier, in her opening address, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, highlighted the Government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with NGOs. She noted that the recognition of NGO Week marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s development trajectory and ensures that the contributions of NGOs are acknowledged and integrated into national planning processes.
“This is the first time in our nation’s history that we are officially celebrating NGO Week, and it’s a well-deserved acknowledgment of the critical role NGOs play in community empowerment, livelihood enhancement and sustainable development,” Madam Kenyeh Barlay declared. She further reiterated the Government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for NGOs to thrive.
As part of the celebration, the Government launched the NGO Gazette, which formally registers and authenticates international and local NGOs operating in Sierra Leone. This move aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the sector. Madam Kenyeh Barlay reassured all registered organizations of their official standing and applauded them for their unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans.
SLANGO’s National Coordinator, Alice Neneh James, reflected on the organization’s growth and its instrumental role in coordinating NGO activities nationwide. She emphasized the need for continuous capacity-building initiatives to align NGOs with the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) and other strategic Government priorities.
Representing the international NGO community, Madam Sugnedlh Juneja, Chair of the INGO Steering Committee, commended MoPED for recognizing the contributions of NGOs in driving Sierra Leone’s development agenda. She highlighted the crucial role NGOs play in complementing Government efforts in health, education and poverty alleviation.
“We are proud to contribute to Sierra Leone’s five-game changer agenda, and we acknowledge the tremendous progress made in sectors such as healthcare, where maternal mortality rates have seen significant reductions over the years,” Madam Sugnedlh Juneja noted.
Throughout the NGO Week, various activities, including panel discussions, workshops and a health walk, showcased the positive impact of NGOs on national development. The event culminated in a grand dinner on February 28, 2025, celebrating the achievements of NGOs and fostering further collaboration among stakeholders.
The launch of Sierra Leone’s first-ever NGO Week under the stewardship of Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, signals a new era of strengthened partnerships and collective commitment towards sustainable development. By championing this initiative, the Vice President has reinforced the Government’s resolve to work hand in hand with NGOs in shaping a prosperous and resilient Sierra Leone.