Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a collaborative effort to address crucial aspects of development, UN in Sierra Leone Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, held a significant meeting today with Freetown City Council Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE. The discussions revolved around key issues such as health, job creation, the transformative agenda for Freetown (#TransformFreetown), and environmental sustainability, particularly under the hashtag #TreeTown.
The meeting brought together two influential figures committed to fostering positive change in the community. Both Wakana and Mayor Aki-Sawyerr underscored the importance of collaboration between the United Nations and local authorities in achieving sustainable development goals.
One of the primary topics on the agenda was the state of public health in Freetown. Recognizing the critical role that a healthy population plays in overall development, the leaders explored strategies to enhance healthcare services and address health challenges faced by the residents of Freetown.
In addition to health, the discussion delved into initiatives aimed at creating job opportunities for the city’s residents. Job creation emerged as a focal point of the conversation, with both Wakana and Aki-Sawyerr expressing a shared commitment to promoting economic growth and reducing unemployment in Freetown.
The #TransformFreetown initiative, a flagship program of Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, also took center stage during the meeting. The UN Resident Coordinator applauded the city’s efforts to transform various sectors and pledged support for the initiative. Both leaders emphasized the need for sustainable urban development strategies to enhance the overall quality of life for Freetown’s residents.
Furthermore, the discussion extended to environmental sustainability, particularly through the hashtag #TreeTown. The leaders explored ways to collaborate with local councils and the private sector to implement initiatives that would contribute to a greener and more sustainable Freetown.
Wakana and Aki-Sawyerr highlighted the significance of involving both local councils and the private sector in the development process. The leaders acknowledged that a multi-stakeholder approach is crucial for successful and inclusive development, ensuring that the benefits reach all segments of the population.