By Amin Kef (Ranger)
During the World Bank Fragility Forum 2026, Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, called on the international community to strengthen its support for fragile and developing countries by prioritizing resilience, stronger institutions and youth employment, warning that growing global pressures are threatening hard-won development gains.
Speaking virtually during the World Bank Fragility Forum 2026 held on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh joined policymakers, development experts and governance specialists from around the world to discuss the impact of shifting global dynamics on countries affected by conflict, economic shocks and institutional fragility.
Addressing the forum, the Vice President said Sierra Leone’s experience demonstrates that sustainable development depends on strong partnerships that build long-term institutional capacity and deliver practical benefits to citizens.
He stressed that international assistance to fragile states must move beyond short-term interventions and focus on strengthening the foundations for lasting stability and economic growth.
“International support in fragile settings must focus on building resilience, strengthening institutions and creating jobs for young people,” Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh stated.
He noted that many developing countries are facing mounting challenges as traditional development assistance declines while geopolitical tensions and climate-related disasters become more frequent.
According to the Vice President, “As aid flows decline, geopolitical competition intensifies and climate shocks become more frequent, the challenge before us is not only how to finance development, but how to sustain the gains we have already made.”
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasized that preserving development progress requires stronger collaboration between Governments, international financial institutions and development partners. He maintained that partnerships should be designed to produce measurable outcomes that improve the lives of ordinary people and create broader economic opportunities.
“The task ahead is to ensure that our partnerships deliver practical solutions that improve lives and expand opportunity for every Sierra Leonean,” he said.
The Vice President also highlighted the importance of investing in young people, describing employment creation as a critical pillar for peace, stability and long-term national development. He observed that stronger public institutions and inclusive economic policies are essential for helping fragile states withstand external shocks and adapt to an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The annual World Bank Fragility Forum serves as a global platform for discussions on policies and strategies aimed at supporting countries affected by conflict, economic instability and governance challenges. The event brings together Governments, international organisations and development practitioners to explore innovative approaches to sustaining peace and promoting inclusive growth.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, whose public service career has included leading governance reforms, peacebuilding initiatives and national development coordination efforts, participated in the discussions as Governments and international institutions seek more effective ways to protect development gains amid evolving economic, security and climate challenges.
His intervention reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that promote resilience, expand opportunities for young people and build stronger institutions capable of delivering sustainable development for future generations.
