Sierra Leone Embassy in Switzerland, Rue Rothschild, Geneva (2024)

21/07/2024

Ambassador Gberie Deposits Sierra Leone’s Instruments Of Ratification At WTO

Geneva, Switzerland, Saturday 20 July 2024 - His Excellency Dr. Lansana Gberie, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to Geneva, Switzerland, has deposited the Instrument of Acceptance for the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This historic event was held in the presence of Madam Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO.

Ambassador Gberie expressed gratitude to the WTO for its continued support and collaboration on issues crucial to Sierra Leone. He highlighted that the ratification signifies a major step towards sustainable development and responsible resource management, aligning with Sierra Leone's Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030).

Sierra Leone, a coastal nation heavily reliant on marine resources, has faced challenges from overfishing and illegal fishing practices. Since 2018, the government has made significant efforts to combat these issues and reduce harmful subsidies from wealthier WTO members.

By ratifying this agreement, Sierra Leone reaffirms its dedication to international cooperation for sustainable fisheries. This commitment includes eliminating subsidies that exacerbate overfishing and illegal fishing, ensuring environmentally responsible and economically viable practices.

Ambassador Gberie emphasized the importance of multilateralism, sustainability, and conservation in Sierra Leone's national policies. He called on other nations, particularly African and small coastal states, to ratify the agreement and participate in further negotiations.

Madam Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization, commended Sierra Leone's commitment to responsible fisheries management. She noted that with Sierra Leone's acceptance, 80 WTO members have now ratified the agreement, with 30 more needed for it to enter into force.

For Sierra Leone, achieving this landmark fisheries agreement is a testament to its commitment to multilateralism, principles of sustainability and conservation, and the fair and responsible exploitation of natural resources. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Honourable Alpha Sesay, played a pivotal role in pushing the ratification, and His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, endorsed the agreement, ensuring its achievement by his government.

The ceremony was attended by key officials including Mr. Edward Kawa, Head of Chancery, Mr. Robert Koroma, Minister Counsellor, and Advisor to the Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Mrs. Essate Weldemichael, who provided technical support.

The World Trade Organization is a UN-affiliated organization with 164 member states. It has three main functions: negotiate trade deals, monitor trade practices, and settle disputes.

For More Inquiries:
Mohamed Sheriff
Information Attaché
+41791756648
Email: [email protected]

11/06/2024

Labour Minister Addresses 112th ILC

Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday 11 June 2024 – The Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Honourable Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has addressed Member States by showcasing the numerous reforms under the leadership of His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, to the international community at the plenary session of the 112th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Minister presented a strong case for the significant steps taken by the Government's towards promoting and implementing decent work and standards through the ratification of nine (9) ILO conventions and one (1) protocol.

During the plenary of the 112th Session of the ILC, which allowed Member States to speak on the report of the Governing Body and the Chairperson, Sierra Leone's Labour Minister stated that, Sierra Leone takes seriously the Report of the Chairperson of the Governing Body and the Director-General of the ILO, at the session in March 2024, which addressed several issues on the work of the Governing Body as well as the state of implementation of the various policies, programmes, and activities of the ILO.

"Sierra Leone is establishing a Social Protection Agency to coordinate social protection responses and extend social protection to the informal sector in accordance with Convention 102. We thank ILO for their technical support. Furthermore, we are far advanced in implementing a national health insurance scheme that includes persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable demographic groups," the Minister noted.

The Minister of Labour also informed the Conference that Sierra Leone has enhanced tripartism by institutionalising social dialogue to promote inclusive and effective governance, to foster a shared understanding of the challenges faced by employers, workers, and the government, and to provide a forum for the implementation of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and other relevant conventions and recommendations.

The government of Sierra Leone is working collaboratively with the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Sierra Leone Employers Federation in the formulation of government policies and legislation, especially those covering all aspects of work.

The Labour Minister emphasised the premium His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has placed on "Human Capital Development," which assures social justice, employment, and a better quality of life for citizens, a flagship programme of his government that promotes food sufficiency, education, and healthcare.

"This sits well within progressive governance reforms, including a Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act -- that mandates a 30% legal minimum in representation, participation, and employment for women -- and tackling vulnerabilities worsened by the lingering socio-economic impact of the global pandemic and other geopolitical downturns," the Minister opined.

The Minister, on behalf of the President and People of Sierra Leone, thanked the Director-General of the ILO, Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, for his leadership and his team for effective stewardship of the ILO.

"Sierra Leone has migrant workers in many GCC countries and the Middle East. Sierra Leone wishes to add its voice to the global calls for the fair treatment of migrant workers wherever they are," the Labour Minister urged.

Sierra Leone became a member of the ILO in 1961, shortly after gaining sovereign status. Since becoming a member of the ILO, the country has ratified all the fundamental ILO Conventions and domesticated most of them.

In 2021, Sierra Leone took a significant step toward promoting and implementing decent work standards for women and men in our country by ratifying nine ILO conventions and one protocol. In total, Sierra Leone has ratified 44 ILO Conventions and protocols since becoming a member of the ILO. These efforts reinforce Sierra Leone’s commitment to good governance and international best standards.

For More Enquiries:
Mohamed Sheriff
Information Attaché, Geneva, Switzerland
+41791756648
Email: [email protected]

06/06/2024

Minister Swaray Meets ILO Director-General

Geneva, Switzerland, 6 June 2024 - The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Honourable Mohamed Rahman Swaray, along with his technical team and social partners, paid a courtesy call on the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, at the ILO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

The purpose of the meeting was to extend felicitations from His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to Mr. Houngbo, who is the first African to hold the position of ILO Director-General. Minister Swaray assured the ILO Director-General of the Sierra Leonean government's support for his leadership and management team at the ILO.

In 2022, the Governing Body of the ILO elected Mr. Houngbo, the former Prime Minister of Togo, as the new ILO Director-General. He is the 11th Director-General of the ILO, with his five-year term beginning on 1st October 2022.

Sierra Leone's Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other Organisations in Geneva, Dr. Lansana Gberie introduced the Sierra Leone delegation. He expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized Sierra Leone's continuous support for the ILO's leadership to enhance cooperation.

Minister Swaray highlighted the purpose of the visit as an effort to strengthen bilateral partnerships and foster development cooperation between Sierra Leone and the ILO. He mentioned the government's numerous reforms, referred to as the "Big Five Game Changers," aimed at creating a conducive environment for investment and job creation. These reforms are intended to improve the lives and working conditions of workers in Sierra Leone.

The Minister praised the ILO for its technical support to Sierra Leone over the years and reiterated the government's commitment to fulfilling its ILO obligations. He appealed for capacity building for the Ministry, support in resource mobilization, implementation of the Decent Work Country Program Phase 2, and advancement of the tripartite plus social dialogue forum, a platform for employers and workers to interface with government ministers.

In response, Mr. Houngbo thanked President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for his congratulatory message and assured the delegation of strengthening cooperation between the ILO and its Member States, including Sierra Leone. He expressed his willingness to deepen collaboration and continue capacity building with member states to promote and protect employees and employers for a productive working environment.

For More Enquiries:
Mohamed Sheriff
Information Attaché, Geneva, Switzerland
+41791756648
Email: [email protected]

03/06/2024

Sierra Leone's Labour Minister Participates In 112th Labour Conference

Geneva, Switzerland, Monday 3 June 2024 -The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Honourable Mohamed Rahman Swaray and his technical team of the Ministry, and members of the Labour Congress and Sierra Leone Employers Federation are participating in the ongoing 112th Session of the International Labour Conference of the ILO in Geneva, Switzerland.

The International Labour Conference is the ILO’s highest decision-making body. It meets annually in June, bringing together the tripartite delegations from the Organization’s 187 member States. The Conference is composed of a plenary and technical committees.

At the Conference, the Government Workers’ and Employers’ representatives from 187 ILO Member States will discuss the world of work issues at the International Labour Conference (ILC). This year, application of Standards, biological hazards, decent work and care economy, fundamental principles and rights at work are among the items on the agenda of the Conference.

At the high-level segment of the opening of the Labour Conference, statements were made by elected Labour Conference President, the Director-General of the International Labour Organization on his vision of the world of work, Chairperson of the Governing Body and other key speakers.

In recent times, Sierra Leone, is one of the progressive Member States of the ILO under the quality leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, ahead of the many countries especially in Africa to develop good Labour policies, laws and their implementation in protecting and promoting employees and the employers for a productive environment and sustainable economic growth for its citizens.

This year’s Labour Conference on the theme "Protection of workers against the effects of climate change and biological hazards, the care economy, and fundamental principles and rights at work", discuss global strategies on the Reports of the Chairperson of the Governing Body and the Director-General, Report Towards a Renewed Social Contract, report on the Application of Standards including programme and budget among other things.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Honourable Mohamed Rahman Swaray is expected to speak in the plenary dissuasion of the reports of the Director-General and the Chairperson of the Governing Body to make a case for the country's Labour Sector at the 112th Session of the International Labour Conference of the ILO on the progress made so far regarding productive policies, Laws and implementations in recent months and year.

The Labour Conference is from Monday, June 3 to Friday, June 14 2024.

*For More Enquiries:
Mohamed Sheriff
Information Attaché, Geneva, Switzerland
+41791756648
Email: [email protected]*

29/05/2024

Dr. Austin Demby Highlights Sierra Leone’s Health Achievements at 77th WHA

Geneva, Switzerland, Wednesday 29 May 2024 - Honourable Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health of the Republic of Sierra Leone, delivered a powerful statement at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) underlining the country's health milestones and ongoing commitment to improving public health systems.

Dr. Demby highlighted the significance of this year’s WHA theme, “All for Health, Health for All,” emphasizing the pivotal role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in global health coordination. He said with Ebola and COVID-19 experience, Sierra Leone has set up a new health security architecture focuses on prevention, preparedness and response.

In 2023, Sierra Leone launched the Universal Health Preparedness and Response Flagship Initiative, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding public health. Additionally, the establishment of the National Public Health Agency marked a proactive approach to addressing emergencies and disease outbreaks. Sierra Leone has been implementing Universal Health Coverage through the Innovative Life Stages Approach, ensuring comprehensive healthcare for every citizen at all life stages.

"Despite numerous challenges, our government remains committed to strengthening our health systems and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. "Our approach is to provide healthcare services through the Life Stages, from pregnancy, to the newborn child, to adolescents, adults, and senior citizens. At each node in the evolution of life we have an opportunity to impact the wellbeing of that individual by the quality of preventive, supportive, and curative services we provide. With this approach we are beginning to see dramatic gains with a more than 60% reduction in maternal mortality over the past decade, and over 30% reduction in infant deaths. We have seen dramatic increases in vaccine coverage including the introduction of new vaccines such as the new Malaria vaccine," stated Dr. Demby.

He commended the visionary leadership of President Julius Madda Bio and highlighted significant strides made in public health preparedness and response.

Dr. Demby acknowledged the support from development partners and international organizations, particularly the WHO, in the country’s pursuit of universal health coverage. He called for a renewed commitment at the 77th WHA to work collaboratively to ensure quality health services for all.

"We call on the WHO and other international development partners to continue providing technical guidance and support to strengthen health systems, address health inequities, and ensure health security for all, in alignment with government priorities," he urged.

Concluding his address, Dr. Demby extended profound gratitude to healthcare workers and esteemed partners, recognizing their dedication and selflessness. He encouraged unity and collective effort towards the goal of comprehensive health for all.

The 77th WHA saw representatives from around the world reaffirming their commitment to global health and discussing strategies to overcome current health challenges, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and support.

*For More Enquiries:
Mohamed Sheriff
Information Attaché, Geneva Switzerland
+41791756648
Email: [email protected]*

27/05/2024

Sierra Leone's Health Minister Participates At The 77 World Health Assembly

Geneva, Switzerland, Monday 27 May 2024 – The Minister of Health of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr Austin Demby, Deputy Minister of Health 1, Professor Dr. Charles Senessie and His Excellency Lansana Gberie, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, have participated in the opening of the Seventy - Seventh World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

The World Health Assembly is a supreme decision-making body for the WHO. It holds annually for all Member States of the World Health Organisation, and focuses on a specific health agenda to determine the policy of the organization prepared by the Executive Board.

This year’s Health Assembly on the theme “All for Health, Health for All”, discussed global strategies on a range of issues including a pandemic agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations including WHO sustainable financing.

At the high-level segment of the Assembly, statements were made by the elected Health Assembly President, United Nations Secretary-General, Heads of States, special guests, and the presentation of the Director-General’s Health Awards to Professor Katalin Kariko and Professor Drew Weissman for thier ground breaking scientific work which lead the development of vaccine against COVID-19.

In his address, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, outlined WHO’s five priorities- health development, health security, health systems, evidence and convening going forward, expanding from the vision delivered at the Executive Board meeting held in January and June 2024, called for adoption of the agenda by member states.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called on the Member States to strongly commits itself to Universal Health Coverage by strengthening Primary Healthcare Systems and stressed the importance of building a healthy world through multi-lateralism.

Sierra Leone is part of the WHO and it is constructively engaging with Member States on Universal health coverage. Sierra Leone's new National Health Sector Strategic Plan 2021-2025 spelt out that the determination of the health professionals in the country to once again contribute the path of health and wellness, making significant strides in reducing maternal and child mortality, diarrhea, malaria HIV, malnutrition, and other communicable diseases.

From national and international health organisations, Sierra Leone has received several commendations for its resilience during the Ebola virus disease, COVID-19 and other outbreaks in recent times.

In many national and international addresses, President Julius Maada Bio has reiterated that good healthcare is a right that all Sierra Leoneans should be able to count on, whether they are born in a village or city, rich or poor, young or old, abled or disabled.

*For More Enquiries:
Mohamed Sheriff
Information Attaché, Geneva, Switzerland
+41791756648
Email: [email protected]*

26/05/2024

Health Minister Dr Demby Co-host Child Survival Action Meeting

Geneva, Switzerland, Sunday 26 May 2024 – The Minister of Health of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr Austin Demby, who doubles as the co-host of the Child Survival Action and served as panelist of the Partnership for Maternal, New-born and Child Health (PNCH) on the margins of the World Health Assembly, has highlighted Sierra Leone experiences with African Health Ministers and Global Health Partners on accelerated progress for Child Survival Action during a high-level discussion roundtable meeting on towards 2030 Sustainable Development Goals in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health is a multi-constituency partnership hosted by the World Health Organization and chaired by Githinji Gitanji.

PMNCH seeks to achieve universal access to comprehensive, high-quality reproductive, maternal, new-born and child health care the world over.

This year’s high-level government and non-governmental organizations’ engagement were geared towards sharing experiences of the different health partners in improving maternal, new-born and child health care.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health elaborates on the tremendous gains the government under the dynamic leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, making in the area of reducing maternal and child mortality, diarrhea, Malaria, HIV, malnutrition, and other communicable diseases.

The health minister said the Government considers human capital development under the 'Five-Game Changers' that focuses on education, health and agriculture as a top priority for the nation, noting that Sierra Leone strongly commits itself to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to Primary Healthcare (PHC) as a vehicle for the achievement of UHC.

“The Ministry of Health declared Maternal and Child Mortality an internal emergency and Child Health a priority because of Strong Political will and Commitment, such that Sierra Leone developed the Child Survival Action Plan in 2023, and it was globally launched in Madrid during the 2nd Global Pneumonia Forum in April 2023. This was made possible by the collective effort of our health development partners, NGOs and stakeholders in the Ministry of Health”, The Health Minister noted.

He said with the National launch of the CSAP in June 2023, followed by Regional Launches and Dissemination Nationwide, the Extended Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition Strategy and the Maternal and Newborn Health Acceleration Plan, established the National Child Health Programme (NCHP) under the Directorate of RMNCAH-N, developed the Annual Work Plan for the NCHP, established National Child Health Technical Working Group which is multi-sectoral and meets monthly to discuss critical issues affecting children, promote the use of evidence-based practice, developed Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the CSAP, with improved access to services, the country reduced under-five mortality immensely between 1990 and 2023. However, he said Sierra Leone is one of the 59 countries which need to accelerate progress to achieve the SDG-3 target for under-five mortality by 2030.

“I want to use this opportunity to advocate for increased investment in research for child health, promotive, preventive, and curative measures, and interventions only then we can see the long-term benefits for communities and countries. We are currently implementing our CSAP in a district while at the same time mobilising partners and resources for the full alignment and implementation nationwide”, the health minister noted.

The Minister of Health reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to promoting protecting children and women in achieving Universal Health Coverage.

*For More Enquiries:
Mohamed Sheriff
Information Attaché’, Geneva, Switzerland
+41791756648
Email: [email protected]*

06/05/2024

Sierra Leone @ 63: Progress And Challenges In Economic Development

_By Mohamed Sheriff
Switzerland_

Sierra Leone, a country located on the West African coast, is making strides in economic development amid ongoing challenges. With a rich history and diverse cultural heritage, Sierra Leone is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and resilient people. However, the country continues to grapple with various socio-economic issues as it strives for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Economic Growth and Diversification:
In recent years, Sierra Leone has experienced notable economic growth, driven primarily by sectors such as mining, agriculture, and tourism. The mining industry, particularly diamond and rutile mining, has been a significant contributor to the country's GDP. Efforts to diversify the economy beyond mining are underway, with a focus on promoting agriculture, fisheries, and ecotourism.

Infrastructure Development:
Infrastructure development remains a priority for Sierra Leone as the government seeks to improve transportation networks, energy access, and healthcare facilities across the country. Initiatives such as road construction projects, investment in renewable energy, and upgrading of healthcare infrastructure are aimed at enhancing connectivity and access to essential services for all citizens.

Social Challenges and Human Development:
Despite progress in economic development, Sierra Leone faces persistent social challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and inadequate access to education and healthcare. High levels of poverty, particularly in rural areas, hinder inclusive growth and development. Addressing these challenges requires sustained efforts to promote social inclusion, improve access to quality education and healthcare, and create opportunities for youth employment.

Healthcare and Public Health:
Sierra Leone's healthcare system has made significant strides since the devastating Ebola outbreak in 2014-2016. However, challenges such as limited healthcare infrastructure, shortage of medical personnel, and inadequate funding persist. The government, in collaboration with international partners, continues to invest in strengthening healthcare delivery, disease prevention, and emergency response capabilities to safeguard public health.

Environmental Conservation and Climate Resilience:
Environmental conservation and climate resilience are critical priorities for Sierra Leone, given its vulnerability to climate change impacts, including extreme weather events and coastal erosion. Efforts to promote sustainable land management, reforestation, and coastal protection aim to mitigate environmental degradation and build resilience to climate-related risks.

Political Stability and Governance:
Sierra Leone has made significant strides in consolidating democracy and promoting political stability since the end of the civil war in 2002. However, challenges related to governance, corruption, and accountability persist. Strengthening democratic institutions, promoting transparency, and enhancing the rule of law are essential for fostering good governance and sustainable development.

Conclusion:
Sierra Leone stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey, with opportunities for economic growth and social progress alongside persistent challenges. By addressing key priorities such as economic diversification, infrastructure development, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability, Sierra Leone can unlock its full potential and achieve lasting prosperity for its people. With concerted efforts from government, civil society, and the international community, Sierra Leone can overcome its challenges and build a brighter future for generations to come under the quality and dynamic leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.

06/05/2024

Human Rights Commissioner Simitie Lavaly Participates At The General Assembly Of The Network Of African National Human Rights Institutions

Geneva, Switzerland, Monday 6 May 2024 - Commissioner Simitie Lavaly, representing the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL), is actively engaged in the ongoing General Assembly meeting of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), hosted in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting was held on the margins of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) Annual meeting 2024.

NANHRI serves as a pivotal regional body, uniting African NHRI representatives to bolster human rights protection, promotion, monitoring, and advocacy across the continent. The meeting focused on presentation of the NANHRI annual reports, audited financial statements and elections to vacant Executive positions.

The bigger GANHRI Annual Meeting agenda slated for 7th to 8th May will revolve around the overarching priorities outlined in GANHRI's Strategic Plan, emphasizing the pivotal role of NHRIs, particularly focusing on Business and Human Rights. Furthermore, an outcome statement will be adopted on behalf of all participating members to delineate actionable steps for advancing human rights in globally.

Commissioner Lavaly underscores the paramount importance of this assembly as a platform for exchanging NHRI experiences and best practices. Key thematic areas include follow-up mechanisms regarding the 14th International Conference and the Kyiv Copenhagen Declaration on Torture and Ill-Treatment, as well as safeguarding the rights of displaced and stateless persons.

In addition to reviewing progress in implementing GANHRI’s Strategic Plan, delegates will deliberate on emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges facing NHRIs across diverse regions. Discussions will also encompass updates on financial matters and the accreditation process, crucial for bolstering the effectiveness and credibility of NHRIs.

The high-level segment of the assembly will witness statements delivered by representatives from the four Regional Networks - APF, ENNHRI, NANHRI, and RINDHCA, further emphasizing the collaborative spirit underlying this global initiative.

Beyond this assembly, Commissioner Simitie Lavaly is slated to participate in the Annual Meeting of the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Institutions (CFNHRI) on 9th May. There, she will advocate for Sierra Leone's exemplary progress in advancing human rights policies, laws, and their effective implementations.

For further inquiries, Mohamed Sheriff, Information Attaché in Geneva, Switzerland, can be reached at +41791756648 or via email at [email protected].

09/04/2024

President Bio Hosts ECOWAS Conference: Sierra Leone's Key Role In Addressing Autonomous Weapons Systems

Geneva, Switzerland, Monday 8 April 2024 - Sierra Leone, under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, is gearing up to host a ground-breaking ECOWAS Conference on the Peace and Security Aspect of Autonomous Weapons Systems. Scheduled to take place in Freetown from April 17th and 18th, 2024, this conference, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), primarily aims to establish a common regional position and develop a unified stance on regulating and controlling Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) within the ECOWAS region.

The conference is expected to draw Foreign Ministers, technical experts, civil society representatives, and observers from across West Africa. Sierra Leone's role as host underscores its growing prominence on the international stage and its commitment to advancing peace and security in the sub region.

Sierra Leone's exemplary track record as one of the most peaceful and democratic states in the sub-region positions it as a beacon of stability and resilience. As such, the insights gleaned from this conference will inform policymakers on the challenges posed by the proliferation and unregulated use of Autonomous Weapons, particularly within the ECOWAS context.

In addition to its diplomatic significance, the conference holds economic promise for Sierra Leone. With over 100 delegates expected to attend, the influx of visitors will have positive implications for revenue generation, particularly for the hotel and the travel industries. This economic injection is poised to contribute to job creation bolstering the country's socio-economic landscape. It alignings with President Bio's vision for youth empowerment and economic development.

The agenda of the conference includes critical issues such as the ethical implications of AWS, adherence to international human rights standards, and the examination of AWS's impact on international humanitarian law.

The Conference will serve as a platform for open dialogue and collaboration among ECOWAS Member States, paving the way for collective action in addressing the challenges posed by AWS. In the lead-up to the conference, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, alongside CARL, will hold a press briefing to highlight the significance of the event and its potential impact on Sierra Leone and the broader ECOWAS region. Sierra Leone's role as host of this ECOWAS Conference underscores its commitment to peace, security, and international cooperation.
By convening key stakeholders to address the pressing issue of Autonomous Weapons Systems, Sierra Leone reaffirms its position as a regional leader and a staunch advocate for global security and stability.

*For More Enquiries:
Mohamed Sheriff
Information Attaché, Geneva Switzerland
+41791756648
Email: [email protected]*