Meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Executive Director of the United Nations Technology Bank.

In his discussion with the Executive Director, the Foreign Minister stated that the GSL has prioritized technology as means for development. He informed about the operationalization of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation in Sierra Leone, which supports the country’s transformation into a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

He indicated that the critical focus of the Directorate is to generate and use data for policy delivery and to support development programmes in various sectors, such as health and education.

The Executive Director informed the meeting that the UN Technology Bank is a global organization committed to enhancing the contribution of science, technology and innovation for sustainable development in the world's least developed countries. He further pointed out that the technology bank supports national and regional technological efforts, strengthen partnerships across sectors and assist countries to identify and use appropriate technologies to transform their economies and attain economic growth.

The meeting stressed the need for technology need assessments for Sierra Leone. Commitment was made to commence technological assistance in Sierra Leone. To this end, an invite was extended to the Executive Director to visit Sierra Leone before the third quarter of this year.

The meeting also discussed the critical need to maximize the fourth revolution and enhance the capacity of the next generation of Sierra Leone with knowledge-based economy.

It also stressed the need for technology transfers from emerging countries to least developed countries like Sierra Leone.

It was agreed that the Sierra Leone Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation facilitate the mapping out of technological needs for Sierra Leone.

It was also agreed that the United Nations Technology Bank coordinates the process of transferring technologies from Turkey to Sierra Leone.