*47th Street, New York, g7+ Permanent Mission House, 23rd September 2024*: Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, H.E. Madam Kenyeh Barlay, alongside Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister, H.E. José Alexandre “Xanana” Gusmão, inaugurated the newly established g7+ Mission House in New York. The ceremony marked a significant step forward in the group’s efforts to enhance its presence and voice on the global stage.

Following the inauguration, both leaders held productive discussions aimed at advancing the g7+ agenda. A key focus of the talks was the upcoming g7+ Summit, scheduled for Wednesday, where Prime Minister Gusmão and H.E. President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Rtd. Brig. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, are set to engage with heads of state from g7+ member countries. The summit will center on strengthening dialogue and cooperation to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and align national strategies for more rapid progress.

The discussions also touched on addr
essing fragility within member states, with an emphasis on transitioning to more credible and sustainable development pathways. Minister Barlay highlighted Sierra Leone’s increasing role within the United Nations, noting that the country’s Observer status at the UN Security Council, as Chair of the g7+, provides a more dynamic platform for amplifying the voices of fragile states.

The two leaders explored ways to strengthen partnerships with major global powers and discussed the importance of presenting a comprehensive work plan and mid-term strategy at the upcoming summit. Both Madam Barlay and Prime Minister Gusmão acknowledged the substantial progress made by the g7+, especially in terms of technical expertise and policy advancements.

They also underscored the need for greater unity among g7+ member states, emphasizing the importance of a collective voice in promoting their shared agenda. The meeting concluded with a call to action, recognizing the significant strides made thus far and the urgency to buil
d upon those achievements.

The discussions were facilitated by the g7+ Secretariat, which continues to play a critical role in coordinating efforts and driving forward the mission of the g7+.

The event was also witnessed by the foriegn affairs minister of Timor-Leste, Bendito dos Santos Freitas.

This momentous event represents a bold step in increasing the global visibility and influence of the g7+, as it strives to address the unique challenges faced by fragile states.

Source: Sierra Leone News Agency