Local Gov’t Minister Attends Global Poverty Alleviation Forum in China

Sierra Leone made a strong impression at this year’s Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum in Beijing, where the country joined 53 other nations for the official launch of the Global Partnership for Poverty Alleviation and Development (GPPAD). Representing Sierra Leone at the high-level gathering was the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina, whose participation highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to global discussions on poverty reduction and sustainable development.

The newly launched GPPAD brings together 54 countries and nine international organizations under a unified global mechanism aimed at accelerating efforts to eradicate poverty. The initiative builds on decades of global poverty-reduction efforts, particularly lessons drawn from China’s development experience, which has helped lift more than 800 million people out of poverty.

Minister Lamina, accompanied by officials from the Sierra Leone Embassy in China, attended the inaugural meeting of the GPPAD Committee, where member states deliberated on the alliance’s charter, adopted its action plan, and reviewed the partnership’s initial achievements and future priorities.

At the opening session, Wei Dong, Director-General of the Regional Revitalization Department of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), noted that China’s development trajectory demonstrates that poverty can be defeated through determined national strategies and international cooperation. He encouraged all GPPAD member states to strengthen collaboration in pursuit of global poverty eradication.

A major highlight of the forum was Minister Lamina’s appearance as the first keynote speaker during the sub-forum on “Development-Oriented Assistance and Green Development.” In his address, the Minister showcased Sierra Leone’s progress in local governance, community-driven development, and practical poverty-reduction initiatives. He also proposed stronger international cooperation aimed at promoting rural green transformation and sustainable livelihoods through development-focused assistance.

Minister Lamina’s participation further underscored Sierra Leone’s growing engagement in global development discussions and the Government’s commitment to pursuing innovative and people-centered solutions to poverty alleviation.

Sierra Leone’s participation in the launch of GPPAD reflects the country’s continued dedication to international partnership, sustainable development, and inclusive economic transformation.

For more details:
Idrissa Conteh
Information Attache of Sierra Leone’s Embassy in the Republic of China