Vice President Juldeh Jalloh Engages Global Leaders at Hamburg Sustainability Conference

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has concluded a two-day engagement at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) 2026 in Hamburg, Germany, where he joined world leaders, policymakers, and development partners to discuss global development, economic resilience, and sustainable solutions.

The international forum, held from June 29 to June 30 2026, provided a platform for world leaders to explore practical solutions to global challenges, strengthen international partnerships and mobilise investments for sustainable development.

Reflecting on the conference in a statement shared on his official X account, Vice President Jalloh described the event as a productive engagement.

“I have just concluded two productive days at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, where I had the opportunity to engage with global leaders, policymakers, and development partners on some of the defining challenges of our time,” he said.

“The Conference provided an invaluable platform to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen partnerships for a more sustainable future.” 

Championing the Global South

Image: Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh Delivering His Speech At The Hamburg Sustainability Conference In Germany.

During the conference, the Vice President emerged as one of the leading voices advocating for the interests of the Global South, stressing that smaller economies continue to bear a disproportionate share of the economic consequences of global crisis.

Speaking during a high-level panel on the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Vice President Jalloh highlighted how geopolitical tensions, disruptions to global trade routes and rising fuel and energy prices have placed immense pressure on developing countries such as Sierra Leone.

He called on international financial institutions and development banks to establish more flexible financing mechanisms that would enable vulnerable countries to better withstand external economic shocks.

“I was honored to contribute to two important discussions – one on advancing child nutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of life, and another on the global implications of the Strait of Hormuz crisis, where I highlighted the unique vulnerabilities of small economies like Sierra Leone and the urgent need for more flexible financing to help countries navigate global shocks.”

Advancing Child Nutrition

Image: Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh Alongside Global Leaders At The Hamburg Sustainability Conference.

The Vice President also addressed a high-level session titled “The First 1,000 Days: How Child Nutrition Shapes a Lifetime,” where he highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to improving maternal and child health through sustained investments in nutrition and healthcare.

As Chair of Sierra Leone’s Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) initiative, Vice President Jalloh outlined government efforts to reduce child malnutrition, including the allocation of Le5 billion this year to support pregnant women and children under the age of five.

He also highlighted the implementation of a Multi-Sector Strategic Plan aimed at reducing undernutrition and stunting, as well as continued investments in strengthening the country’s healthcare workforce, particularly maternal and child healthcare professionals.

Showcasing Sierra Leone’s Energy Transition

Image: Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Alongside World Leaders.

The Vice President used the conference to showcase Sierra Leone’s progress in expanding access to electricity and accelerating the country’s transition to clean energy.

He noted that national electricity access has increased from 16 per cent in 2018 to nearly 36 per cent, driven by investments in both grid expansion and decentralised renewable energy systems.

Vice President Jalloh also highlighted the commissioning of the 40-megawatt Newton Solar Park, one of Sierra Leone’s largest renewable energy projects, and referenced the US$480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, which is expected to significantly improve the country’s electricity infrastructure.

He encouraged greater private sector investment in Sierra Leone’s energy sector, describing clean energy as a key driver of economic transformation, job creation and climate resilience.

Commitment to International Cooperation

Concluding his participation, the Vice President expressed optimism about the collective resolve demonstrated by governments and development partners throughout the conference.

“I leave Hamburg encouraged by the shared commitment to practical solutions and stronger international cooperation.”

He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to working with the international community to advance sustainable development and ensure that the concerns of developing countries remain central to global policy discussions.

“Sierra Leone will continue to be an active voice in shaping a more resilient and equitable future for countries in the Global South.”

About the Hamburg Sustainability Conference

The Hamburg Sustainability Conference is an annual global forum that brings together governments, international financial institutions, businesses and civil society to promote innovative solutions for sustainable development, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.

This year’s conference featured leaders including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark, senior officials from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and other development partners, providing a platform for dialogue on some of the world’s most pressing economic and environmental challenges.