Honourable Prime Minister of Uganda, distinguished Heads and Representatives of State, esteemed Secretary General of the Gulf Corporation Council, President of ECAM Council Mr. Kamel Ghribi, and esteemed Participants,
Today, I stand before you as a representative of Sierra Leone and as a global citizen who understands the interconnectedness of our collective future and the shared responsibilities we hold toward our planet. Our gathering revolves around a central theme that underpins human existence and sustainable development – 'Driving Change Today for a Prosperous Planet Tomorrow,' with a focus on 'Food Security and Sustainable Healthcare.' These pillars are crucial for creating a thriving society and a sustainable world.
I extend my gratitude to ECAM for organizing this relevant and timely event, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to address pressing global challenges.
Sierra Leone, situated in West Africa, is a nation of remarkable resilience and beauty, embodying the complexities and possibilities we discuss today. Like many countries, we have faced political, economic, and social challenges that have impacted our citizens' well-being and our economic stability. Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our commitment to effect lasting change.
Food security stands as a fundamental concern for us. Agriculture lies at the heart of our economy, supporting the livelihoods of our people, especially those in rural areas. However, ensuring that no citizen goes to bed hungry requires more than mere subsistence farming. We must usher in a new era of technology, innovation, and sustainability in agriculture. This entails adopting modern farming techniques such as precision agriculture, investing in rural infrastructure, providing access to markets, and empowering our farmers with the necessary skills and financial support. H.E President Bio's government has made agriculture a flagship program, recognizing its crucial role in our nation's prosperity.
Our journey toward sustainable healthcare faces similar complexities. Our healthcare system has encountered hardships due to insufficient infrastructure and resources, leading to preventable diseases claiming too many lives. We are committed to changing this narrative by strengthening our healthcare system, prioritizing primary healthcare, focusing on disease prevention, and enhancing health education. Embracing technological advancements, such as telemedicine, mobile health applications, and digital health records, offers unprecedented opportunities to bridge healthcare gaps, even in the most remote areas. We have already witnessed significant reductions in maternal mortality, a testament to our progress in this regard.
However, achieving the magnitude of change we envision requires global collaboration beyond geographic, political, and cultural boundaries. Robust partnerships between governments, international organizations, NGOs, and local communities are essential. Inclusivity must be at the heart of this dialogue, ensuring the participation of farmers, healthcare workers, women, youth, and marginalized communities. Their voices and experiences are invaluable in shaping policies and programs that directly impact their lives.
Moreover, we must recognize the inseparable link between environmental conservation and sustainable development. Sierra Leone, blessed with diverse ecosystems and natural resources, is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Therefore, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, active reforestation efforts, and expanding renewable energy initiatives are not merely desirable but vital for our survival.
The task ahead is formidable, the journey arduous, but our determination remains unshaken. We envision a future where modern agricultural techniques coexist with robust healthcare systems, where partnerships drive progress, and where sustainability is a way of life.
As we forge ahead, let us be guided by the wisdom of an ancient proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." Our goal is not a quick fix but lasting transformation. To achieve this, we must stand shoulder to shoulder, each nation contributing its strength to the collective cause.
Let us recommit ourselves to this transformative change, for the prosperity of our planet tomorrow hinges on the steps we take today. May our actions resound louder than our words, and may our collective efforts shape a legacy of hope, resilience, and prosperity for generations to come.
On behalf of H.E President Julius Maada Bio, I warmly invite all of you to visit Sierra Leone and join us in building the shared future we have envisioned. We welcome collaboration in all areas, especially in the five pivotal areas of President Bio's agenda: 'Feed Salone,' 'Human Capital Development,' 'Youth Employment,' 'Public Sector Reform,' and 'Infrastructure and Digitization.'
President Bio firmly believes that the transformation we seek must place young people and women at its core. His recent cabinet appointments reflect this commitment, with ten young men and women under the age of 40 serving as Ministers. Additionally, more than 30% of all elected Parliamentarians and members of President Bio's cabinet are women. As the proud co-champion of SDG 10, focused on reducing inequalities, President Bio emphasizes that true sustainability requires inclusivity in action, not just in words.
Thank you, and may we meet in Freetown. May the blessings of prosperity and progress be upon us all.