The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) convened the inaugural Steering Committee meeting on Sierra Leone’s re-eligibility for the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). The session, held at the MoPED Conference Hall, brought together Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and other senior government officials from across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to chart a collective path toward regaining access to the Peacebuilding Fund.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Development Secretary Mr. Komba Momoh emphasized the importance of the meeting as a pivotal step in positioning Sierra Leone for reinstatement to the PBF. He underscored the government’s renewed commitment to meeting eligibility criteria and advancing sustainable peace and development in the country.
“Together, we will strategize, coordinate, and mobilize resources effectively to achieve this important milestone,” said Mr. Momoh, urging participants to engage in collaborative and results-oriented discussions.
Delivering a technical presentation on behalf of the Ministry, Mr. Abass Kargbo provided an overview of the Peacebuilding Fund, describing it as a critical financial mechanism established by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2006. The Fund supports countries emerging from conflict by addressing peacebuilding priorities through two core financing streams—the Peacebuilding and Recovery Facility (PRF) and the Immediate Response Facility (IRF).
Mr. Kargbo highlighted that Sierra Leone had previously benefited from approximately $84 million in support from the PBF, contributing significantly to post-conflict recovery and institutional strengthening.
He further outlined that the Peacebuilding Fund Government Working Group is expected to play a vital role in supporting conflict analysis efforts through continuous engagement with key government stakeholders. The group will also be responsible for reviewing and finalizing conflict analysis reports, assisting with the evaluation of the PBF project portfolio, and facilitating broad-based consultations to consolidate national peacebuilding priorities.
Additionally, the Working Group is expected to brief government entities on relevant findings, provide informed recommendations and strategic guidance, and promote awareness of the Peacebuilding Fund across MDAs to ensure national ownership and alignment.
Participants from various MDAs—including Mr. Francis Kabia of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Mr. Abdul Karim Koroma from the Office of National Security, and representatives from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), Sierra Leone Police, and others—welcomed the initiative. They stressed the need for an inclusive and participatory framework, the engagement of highly skilled technical personnel, and the establishment of dedicated focal points across MDAs to enhance coordination and strengthen the groundwork for re-eligibility.
Speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, Ms. Irene Limo, Peacebuilding Fund Secretariat Coordinator, urged all MDAs to collaborate closely in developing strong justifications and strategic frameworks for reapplying to the Fund. She encouraged a unified approach to conflict analysis, clear prioritization of peacebuilding needs, and coordinated presentations to ensure coherence and impact.
Ms. Limo also emphasized the importance of MoPED’s role in generating accurate institutional data, facilitating access to information, and documenting the significant impacts achieved through previous PBF-supported programs. She urged all MDAs to advance a strategic understanding of the reapplication process to support the Minister of Planning and Economic Development during high-level engagements on the matter.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Limo noted the crucial role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in overseeing diplomatic protocols and underscored the need for joint efforts in capturing all priority areas. This includes conflict prevention, detailed analysis of the country’s conflict dynamics, evaluation of the existing PBF project portfolio, and comprehensive stakeholder consultations. All of these will be essential in preparing and submitting a formal request for re-eligibility to the United Nations Secretary-General.
