The theme for this year’s retreat; is the role of parliament in the implementation of SDGs   initiative and it was aimed at getting parliamentarians involved and contribute meaningfully towards the implementation of the SDGs project.

Speaking at the occasion, the Director of Caritas-Sierra Leone, Edward John Bull said Sierra Leone’s SDGs initiative had gone through the second phase of implementation, and the retreat was to map out a strategic frame work for it successful  implementation.

John Bull emphasized that parliamentarians should be capacitated to function well and effectively in the implementation process, as Sierra Leone needed the right policies and programmes to be part of the global platform for the achievement of the SDGs initiative.

In his statement, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) representative, Pious Bockarie commented that sincere commitment and the effective participation of parliamentarians could contribute positively towards ending abject poverty and injustice in Sierra Leone. 

The Deputy Speaker of parliament, Chernor Maju Bah also expressed optimism about their role and responsibility as parliamentarians in achieving the SDGs goals and objectives, noting that this was the first time they had such a formal engagement to map out the way forward.

He said they would ensure their roles are visible.