A group of around a dozen Sierra Leonean ministers recently participated in an executive seminar at Columbia University in New York, focusing on government delivery, policy implementation, and leadership. The seminar, which took place on September 23, 2026, at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, was held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The programme aimed to equip ministers with practical approaches to addressing complex government challenges.
The seminar covered topics such as systems thinking, implementation science, and the use of evidence in strengthening public policy and practice. Discussions centered on how government leaders can connect national priorities with implementation and translate policies into measurable outcomes for citizens. Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, facilitated the seminar through the Ministry's ongoing partnership with Columbia University.
President Julius Maada Bio encouraged the delegation to utilize their time in New York not only for international engagements but also to pursue opportunities that could strengthen their knowledge and leadership capacity. For Energy Minister Cyril Grant, the seminar provided an opportunity to examine how individual ministries contribute to wider government priorities. Grant emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government approach, noting that challenges within one sector can intersect with other areas, including public health.
Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security Umaru Napoleon Koroma described the session on systems thinking as particularly informative. He stated that the knowledge gained would help him approach complex issues within his ministry from a broader perspective. The programme was led by senior faculty from Columbia University's Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, including Helen DePinho, Patrick Kachur, and Nicole Haberland.
The department's Chair, Professor Thoại D. Ngô, provided overall leadership for the seminar and commended Minister Bah for facilitating the delegation's participation. Professor Ngô acknowledged the ministers for making time for the programme during the busy UN General Assembly week and reaffirmed Columbia University's commitment to its continued collaboration with Sierra Leone.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education said the engagement demonstrates the practical value of Sierra Leone's international partnerships in providing government leaders with access to global expertise and new approaches that can strengthen public-sector performance. Minister Bah emphasized that the partnership with Columbia University aims to connect Sierra Leonean leaders with knowledge and expertise that can contribute to improved government outcomes and service delivery.
The seminar is part of efforts to strengthen leadership capacity and support the government's broader objective of translating national policies and priorities into tangible results for citizens. The programme's outcomes are expected to enhance the ministers' ability to implement policies and deliver effective services to the citizens of Sierra Leone.
Key points
- The seminar focused on systems thinking, implementation science, and the use of evidence in strengthening public policy and practice.
- The programme was led by senior faculty from Columbia University's Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health.
- The seminar aimed to equip ministers with practical approaches to addressing complex government challenges.
