By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and domestic resource mobilization during his participation at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), held in Seville, Spain.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh played a leading role at the global event, co-chairing a high-level multi-stakeholder roundtable alongside the President of Estonia, Alar Karis. The session, held on July 1, 2025, focused on the theme: "Mobilizing and Aligning Domestic Public Resources for Sustainable Development."

In his opening address, the Vice President underscored the critical importance of effective taxation systems, enhanced regional trade and robust accountability frameworks. Those elements, he emphasized, are essential for boosting domestic revenue across developing countries and for financing vital sectors such as health, education, renewable energy and women’s empowerment.

“Strengthening our internal systems is not only a matter of financial sustainability, it’s a matter of national sovereignty and inclusive development,” the Vice President stated in a Facebook post after the session.

The roundtable brought together global leaders, development partners and policy experts who shared practical strategies and reaffirmed the need for developing countries to rely less on external aid and more on their own internal capacities. VP Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh praised the “vibrant discussions and pragmatic recommendations” that emerged, which he said would help shape effective policy responses in a rapidly evolving global economic environment.

At the formal closing of the FFD4 on July 2, 2025, Dr. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh presented the summary of deliberations from the roundtable he co-chaired earlier in the week, highlighting key outcomes and reaffirming Sierra Leone’s alignment with the Seville Compromiso 2025 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"The call to action is clear and urgent," he said. "Developing countries must look inward to unlock domestic opportunities for revenue mobilization and private sector investment, especially as we navigate challenges like shrinking Official Development Assistance (ODA), mounting debt, regional instability and the worsening effects of climate change."

On the margins of the conference, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh also participated in a high-level side event hosted by Global Citizen Now, where discussions centered on bridging the growing financing gap affecting the Global South. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s proactive approach, encouraging other nations to replicate the country’s strategies in creating stronger regulatory, financial and governance systems that attract private sector investment.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh also stressed the importance of rationalizing aid portfolios to ensure they complement rather than compete with private investment. His views were well received by panelists, including Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman, who endorsed Sierra Leone’s strategic approach to accelerating inclusive and equitable development.

Sierra Leone’s delegation to FFD4, led by the Vice President, was widely praised for its active participation and impact. The team comprised civil society representatives, youth entrepreneurs, private sector institutions, NGOs and officials from various Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs). The country co-hosted a side event and participated in nearly six high-level panels, reflecting a growing influence in shaping global development dialogues.

Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, lauded Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s leadership at the conference, remarking, “The delegation has been top-notch.” He added, “Sierra Leoneans and Africans are no longer just participants at international platforms, we are shaping the agenda.”

In his closing remarks, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh thanked the Spanish Government and the United Nations for organizing a successful conference and expressed pride in the efforts of the Sierra Leone delegation. “Together, we will deliver,” echoed Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh underscoring a renewed national momentum toward sustainable growth, global partnership and visionary leadership. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/as-he-joins-estonian-president-vice-president-champions-domestic-resource-mobilization-at-ffd4-in-seville-spain/