Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, concluded his participation at the 2026 Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) in Germany, advocating for increased Global South support. Dr. Jalloh noted the disproportionate impact of geopolitical conflicts on small, import-dependent economies like Sierra Leone. He stated, "For the Global South, an oil shock is never just an oil shock. It becomes a food shock, a fiscal shock and ultimately a human development shock." Dr. Jalloh also expressed encouragement, saying, "I leave Hamburg encouraged by the shared commitment to practical solutions and stronger international cooperation. Sierra Leone will continue to be an active voice in shaping a more resilient and equitable future for countries in the Global South."
VP's Conference Contributions
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh contributed to two high-level discussions during the Hamburg Sustainability Conference. One discussion focused on advancing child nutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of life, a period vital for long-term health and development. Another discussion examined the global implications of the Strait of Hormuz crisis, an issue Dr. Jalloh warned has broad consequences for developing nations. He stated that disruptions to strategic shipping routes significantly impact countries in the Global South. "For the Global South, an oil shock is never just an oil shock. It becomes a food shock, a fiscal shock and ultimately a human development shock," Dr. Jalloh emphasized. He concluded, "I leave Hamburg encouraged by the shared commitment to practical solutions and stronger international cooperation. Sierra Leone will continue to be an active voice in shaping a more resilient and equitable future for countries in the Global South."
Calls for Financial Resilience
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh called for the establishment of a Global South Shock Absorption Facility, urging global financial institutions such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank to support its creation. He emphasized that the proposed facility should offer rapid and flexible financing to nations impacted by geopolitical crises, aiming to prevent these situations from escalating into humanitarian emergencies. Dr. Jalloh stressed that the international community must shift its focus from financing recovery efforts after disasters to proactively investing in preventive resilience. He stated, "For the Global South, an oil shock is never just an oil shock. It becomes a food shock, a fiscal shock and ultimately a human development shock." The Vice President concluded, "I leave Hamburg encouraged by the shared commitment to practical solutions and stronger international cooperation. Sierra Leone will continue to be an active voice in shaping a more resilient and equitable future for countries in the Global South."
Global Leaders in Attendance
The Hamburg Sustainability Conference convened heads of state, senior government officials, multilateral development bank presidents, and United Nations leaders. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh participated alongside German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed. Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda and African Development Bank Group President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah were also present. Dr. Jalloh stated, "I leave Hamburg encouraged by the shared commitment to practical solutions and stronger international cooperation. Sierra Leone will continue to be an active voice in shaping a more resilient and equitable future for countries in the Global South." He added, "For the Global South, an oil shock is never just an oil shock. It becomes a food shock, a fiscal shock and ultimately a human development shock."
VP's Closing Remarks
The Hamburg Sustainability Conference concluded on Tuesday, July 1, 2026, after addressing critical issues related to sustainable development, economic resilience, and geopolitical instability. Throughout the event, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasized the necessity of implementing more flexible financing mechanisms. He asserted that these mechanisms are key for assisting vulnerable countries in withstanding global economic shocks effectively. The Vice President’s calls for resilient financial structures were a central theme of his participation, aimed at fostering greater stability for nations in the Global South.
