The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Calls for Global Solidarity on Capacity Building

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr. Alie Kabba has called for solidarity at the multilateral stage to build the capacity of member countries based on their needs and national priorities. Dr. Kabba made this plea during his closing addressed at the Second Annual Showcase of Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Just and Inclusive Societies on the 10th October, 2018 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown. He stated that through cooperative and coordinated partnerships, the 16+Forum would be able to consolidate capacities to respond to tensions and threats of potential conflicts.

The Minister specifically referred to Sierra Leone as a country that has made tremendous progress in charting a path beyond war towards a peaceful and secure democratic nation. “We have made outstanding strides in improving our international risk profile as a post-conflict country and building a favourable environment that is attractive to foreign direct investment opportunities” he averred. He told the participants that the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to promoting and consolidating national, regional and global peace and justice is centered on the profound belief that justice and peace are necessary conditions for development. Dr. Kabba explained that the Government is keen to deliver the results from this showcase event to enhance job creation, access to education, building and promoting national cohesion among others. This willstrengthen the democratic institutions and create a just and equal society, he added.

Dr. Kabba explained that understanding the nexus between peace, justice and inclusive development, and working towards attaining SDG 16 means Government social commitment to equality, ensuring that all citizens are created equally, have equal right to pursue a good and happy life. He accentuated that in a peaceful and democratic nation like Sierra Leone, the Government will continue to place high premium on good governance and democratic tenets.

While responding to questions from journalists at a Press Briefing shortly after the closing ceremony, Minister Kabba informed the Press that the New Direction Government of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio cares about the dignity of all Sierra Leoneans irrespective of class, tribe, region or political associationadding that this Government is about inclusion and development. Sierra Leone, he affirmed, is a peaceful and a shining light for tolerance and inclusiveness at the Global stage despite the minute tension in the recent bye-election in Kambia. “Many people have called to commend President Bio for maintaining peace after the March, 2018 elections” he concluded.