Joint Sector Portfolio Review Opening- Remarks by Resident Coordinator Christine Umutoni

Senior government officials  

Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Representatives of the international organizations

The private sector, CSOs, members of the media

Distinguished invited guests, all the protocol observed.

I would like to thank the government for organizing this very first Joint sector Portfolio review for Liberia. I thank all those who have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the review especially the core team but also the sector teams. Much more work is expected in the days to come as we review our work together.

This is an important milestone toward better coordination for development cooperation in the country as it brings for the first-time key development actors to the same table at the sector level. I emphasize the sector level because it is the best level to discuss development results and forge the best way to coordinate and harmonies efforts for development effectiveness.

The sector portfolio review is an integral part of the implementation of the national development plan as expressed in the Pro Poor Action for Prosperity and Development (PAPD). It provides an important opportunity to pause and review where we are with our commitments in terms of results and resources to implement the PAPD, looking at sector by sector.

The portfolio review complements the ongoing work within the government at various levels including at the level of the unit in charge of AID coordination at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP). The unit/office provides a good dashboard which allows us to know who is doing what, where. It helps us to know the amount of funds contributed by each partner. I would like to pause here and say that : A dashboard is important, but it is not enough to show the full picture. I understand pillar meetings have also been taking place as well as meetings of the development coordination group and most recently the leadership meeting on the PAPD which took place at the ministerial complex when I had just arrived. I have been informed that the PAPD steering committee has taken place at least once and another one will be organized soon to take stock of where we are as we come close to end the PAPD and start the design of a successor development program.  These structures are very important and every effort should be employed to keep them active.

It is refreshing to have all the development partners working in Liberia coming together in the same room – this will make this sector portfolio review a success. What is even more important is to see the government in the driver’s seat! The importance of national ownership of the development agenda cannot be over emphasized.  I strongly believe the discussions of the next 10 days will be a turning point of the way we implement and coordinate development intervention in Liberia. I hope this continues to be a regular exercise supporting our mutual accountability for development outcomes in this country.

This sector review is not just a gathering of actors. It is an opportunity for the government leaders per sectors, development partners, civil society, private sectors and all other development actors working in a particular sector to access their contributions, and forge a better coordinated partnership for development in this country.

Better coordination of development partners work with in Liberia is an indispensable tools for eliminating duplication of development efforts in our work; it is a tool for improving efficiency in the use of resources allocated; to increase transparency of not only the government actions, but also, of the actions of all development actors in this country; for eliminating waste in Development efforts as well as resources; and more importantly its a key component for boosting development results in Liberia.

In the context of donor’s fatigue, limited fiscal space; increasing national and international shocks (climate change, diseases, wars, etc.); Liberia cannot afford to waste efforts, resources and funding. Coordination of Development cooperation is a must to accelerate achievement of development results and SDGs.

We are aware that the portfolio review on its own will not be the magic bullet. It is indeed a starting point for creating the right environment for coordination of development efforts in Liberia.

A lot more work will need to be done following this Joint Portfolio review. Efforts by Liberians to continue leading and driving their own development aspirations in the quest for peace and prosperity.

Efforts will be needed for the strengthening of Governance and Institutions, for the promotion of good governance, transparency and better service delivery to the people.

Efforts will be needed for the enhancement of Policy and Planning coherence.

Effort will be needed for the Promotion of Public-Private partnerships, for the Mobilization of Resources and for the Promotion of Inclusive Development. Clear efforts are needed to generate domestic resources. Development aid helps but can never be the anchor for sustainable development and meaningful transformation.

The role of private sector and CSOs cannot be overemphasized let alone the role of communities. Remember Ebola and COVID – and role of community health workers and other services at community level.

I understand today will also the launch of the “Drivers of Sustainable and Inclusive Development study”. Which will inform the next transformative agenda for Liberia and give as an idea of the SDGs finishing line for Liberia as we approach 2030.

I strongly believe that the outcome of the sector reviews will inform such a study contributing to lessons learnt and laying ground for a participatory evidence based practical paper which will guide future planning and enhancement of development coordination efforts.

I wish you a very good deliberations at this joint sector Portfolio review which I believe is a good contribution to coordination for development coordination for better results.

I Thank you.