MoPED Announces NGO Week to Strengthen Partnerships and Advance SDGs
By Marilyn King
(232news)
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has officially announced the celebration of NGO Week in Sierra Leone under the theme, “Collaboration, Sustainability, and Local Empowerment.”
The announcement was made on Thursday, 19 February 2026, at the Ministry’s conference hall at Tower Hill in Freetown.
This marks the second consecutive year of the government’s dedicated initiative to recognize the vital role non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play in Sierra Leone’s development journey, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, underscored the significance of the week-long celebration. She described NGO Week as an important platform to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of NGOs across key sectors, including education, health, gender equality, environmental sustainability, human rights, and social justice.
“Our collective efforts are crucial to advancing the national development agenda,” she said.
The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that NGO activities align with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP). She noted that the government is working toward developing comprehensive chiefdom plans for all 190 chiefdoms nationwide.
“With the support and expertise of NGOs, we can translate these plans into tangible results more swiftly,” she added.
The week-long celebration will feature a series of activities, including extensive media engagements on February 23, regional celebrations on February 26, and the commemoration of World NGO Day on February 27. The events are designed to foster stronger collaboration and promote sustainable development at the local level.
James Riak, Chairman of the INGO Steering Committee, expressed optimism about the significance of the week. He noted that NGOs have remained steadfast partners in Sierra Leone’s development, particularly in health, water, sanitation, and community empowerment.
“As we mark this week, we reaffirm our commitment to working closely with the government, communities, and development partners to achieve the SDGs especially Goal 17, which emphasizes partnerships for sustainable development,” he said.
He further emphasized the importance of coordinated action, particularly in the face of declining donor funding.
“In a time of shrinking donor resources, our collective focus on locally led development and innovation is more important than ever. We must work hand-in-hand to ensure that no one is left behind,” he stated.
Also speaking at the launch, Ibrahim B. Kamara, Chair of the NGO Steering Committee, highlighted the critical role NGOs play in advocating for human rights, environmental protection, and social justice. He described NGOs as catalysts for change that empower communities and drive sustainable initiatives.
“This week presents an opportunity to strengthen our partnerships and accelerate progress toward a more equitable and resilient Sierra Leone,” he said.
The celebration comes at a pivotal moment, aligning with SDG 17 partnerships for the Goals which envisions strong collaboration among governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve sustainable development for all.
As Sierra Leone marks this milestone, stakeholders are encouraged to support NGOs through enhanced collaboration, resource mobilization, and community engagement. With united efforts, the country is well-positioned to make meaningful strides toward a future in which every Sierra Leonean can thrive in a sustainable and inclusive society.
