On Monday, 16 June 2025, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador-designate to Belgium, Philip Bob Jusu, met with Camilla Brückner, Director of the UNDP Office in Brussels.
During their meeting at the UNDP office, Ambassador Jusu stressed the importance of strengthening the partnership between the Sierra Leone Embassy and the United Nations Development Programme. He underlined the need for proactive engagement to advance Sierra Leone’s interests.
Ambassador Jusu spoke of the UN Brussels’ vital involvement in dialogue, particularly concerning development and the AU-EU partnership. He observed that Sierra Leone, a small country, can sometimes be overlooked in critical decisions. “I believe in building relationships and forging alliances,” said Ambassador Jusu. “Without the right connections, making an impact in Brussels is challenging.”
He highlighted that the US government’s withdrawal of development aid puts European nations under increasing pressure to address funding shortfalls. “Your relevance is defined by the relationships and partnerships you cultivate,” he asserted, pledging to advocate for common positions and actively participate in significant discussions.
Ambassador Jusu reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to reinforcing ties with the African Group and requested UNDP support to help reposition the country in Brussels.
In response, Ms Brückner conveyed her wish to revitalise informal dialogues, essential for cultivating relationships and grasping the rationale behind critical issues. She announced plans for a platform to facilitate more regular and meaningful communication among stakeholders, marking a renewed push for active engagement.
