By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope
Government is taking a significant step towards grassroots-driven development by spearheading regional initiatives to localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063, emphasizing the principle of subsidiarity—ensuring decision-making is as close to local communities as possible.
This initiative was highlighted at a three-day conference held from September 9th to 11th at the New Brookfields Hotel on Jomokinyatta Road in Freetown. Organized by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the conference aimed to promote the practical application of subsidiarity in national development processes.
In his opening remarks, Chief Minister Dr. David Sengeh underscored the importance of partnerships in fostering national progress. He commended stakeholders for their ongoing collaboration with the government, noting that local communities are crucial agents of development. “Subsidiarity is a key governance principle,” Dr. Sengeh stated. “Empowering local actors is fundamental to sustainable growth.” He acknowledged the challenges in integrating the SDGs and Agenda 2063 into local governance while advocating for innovative solutions. Among these, he emphasized the need to empower local councils and enhance digital payment systems, such as mobile money, to improve tax collection and resource mobilization at the community level.
Dr. Sengeh also stressed the importance of decentralization and sustained partnerships, urging all stakeholders to unite in pursuit of common development goals. “Unity and collaboration are our strongest tools for progress,” he asserted.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, welcomed both local and international partners, highlighting the critical need to localize the SDGs. She expressed optimism about the growing momentum behind the initiative and emphasized the importance of equipping personnel and developing planning tools for effective program management.
Minister Barlay called on stakeholders to support chiefdom development and to think creatively about resource mobilization to achieve set objectives.
UN Resident Coordinator a.i., Fedrick Ampiah, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for local governments to translate global SDGs into actionable local initiatives. He urged local authorities to integrate these goals into their planning, budgeting, and community engagement efforts. Ampiah highlighted the vital role of local governments in combating poverty, inequality, and enhancing climate resilience, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to capacity building and inclusive development. He called on local councils to adopt the SDGs as a foundation for governance and to empower marginalized groups, including youth and women, as key drivers of change.
Congratulating the government on its recent voluntary local reviews conducted in three districts, Ampiah reiterated that sustainable development is an ongoing commitment. He emphasized that localization serves as the guiding compass for transforming global objectives into meaningful outcomes for communities.
As the government continues to lead in localizing sustainable development, it reaffirms its dedication to inclusive growth driven from the grassroots, ensuring that no community is left behind in its pursuit of a sustainable future.
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