By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone is preparing for a prominent role at the 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) working closely with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to ensure effective participation.
A significant meeting held recently at the ECOWAS National Office on Tower Hill in Freetown underscored the importance of this collaboration in driving national development priorities through global engagement.
The meeting, attended by key figures from both MoPED and UNFPA, focused on Sierra Leone’s contribution to the CPD session and the implementation of vital data initiatives to support national development. Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay; and UNFPA Deputy Country Representative, Madam Sibeso Mululuma, led the discussions, which emphasized the importance of Sierra Leone delivering a formal statement at the CPD session and Minister Barlay’s participation in a high-level side event hosted by UNFPA.
A focal point of the meeting was the global launch of a maternal mortality campaign titled “Investing in Midwifery,” which is set to take place during the CPD session, an initiative that aligns with Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to address maternal health challenges in the country. According to Madam Mululuma, the event will provide an excellent platform for Sierra Leone to share its progress in maternal health and to advocate for increased global support for midwifery and maternal care.
Minister Barlay acknowledged the importance of the CPD session and the opportunity it presents to showcase Sierra Leone’s efforts in improving its population and development policies.
She expressed her commitment to ensuring that Sierra Leone’s participation is impactful and productive, reiterating that the country’s approach to population issues is increasingly data-driven.
The minister emphasized the role of MoPED in coordinating Sierra Leone’s involvement in the CPD, promising consultations with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to align the country’s priorities with global discussions.
She also stressed the importance of strengthening Sierra Leone’s data management systems to facilitate informed decision-making in the country’s development planning processes.
“Engagement in global platforms like the CPD session is crucial for us to share our experiences and challenges, while also learning from the best practices of other nations,” Minister Barlay said. “Sierra Leone is committed to a data-driven approach to policy development, which will significantly enhance our ability to plan effectively and address population and development challenges.”
The discussions also touched on how Sierra Leone’s participation at the CPD can further bolster the country’s development goals. By aligning national development priorities with global agendas, particularly in areas like population dynamics, maternal health, and education, Sierra Leone aims to foster long-term growth and improve the well-being of its citizens.
Madam Mululuma underscored the significance of collaboration between MoPED and UNFPA, emphasizing that Sierra Leone’s active participation at the CPD session will allow the country to continue benefiting from international support while contributing to global conversations on sustainable development.
This meeting marks a crucial step in ensuring that Sierra Leone’s voices are heard at the CPD session, which serves as an important platform for countries to discuss and advocate for policies that influence population and development trends worldwide.
As Sierra Leone prepares for this global stage, the focus remains on utilizing data to drive effective policy formulation and improve the quality of life for all Sierra Leoneans.
The 58th CPD session will be held later this year, and Sierra Leone’s participation is expected to further strengthen its commitment to data-driven policy-making and solidify its standing as an active participant in shaping global development strategies.
