Columbia University Hosts Sierra Leonean Ministers for Leadership Seminar
About a dozen Sierra Leonean ministers participated in an executive seminar at Columbia University in New York on September 23, 2026, focused on strengthening government leadership, policy implementation and public service delivery.
The seminar, held at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, explored systems thinking, implementation science and the use of evidence to improve policy and practice.
The programme was facilitated by Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah through the Ministry’s ongoing partnership with Columbia University. Bah said President Julius Maada Bio encouraged the delegation to use their time in New York not only for international engagements but also to strengthen leadership capacity.
Energy Minister Cyril Grant said the seminar helped ministers examine how their individual responsibilities connect with broader government priorities and encouraged a whole-of-government approach to addressing complex issues.
Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security Umaru Napoleon Koroma described the session on systems thinking as informative and said he intends to apply the lessons within his ministry.
The seminar was led by senior Columbia University faculty, including Helen DePinho, Patrick Kachur and Nicole Haberland, while Department Chair Professor Thoại D. Ngô led the overall programme. Professor Ngô commended Minister Bah for facilitating the engagement and reaffirmed Columbia University’s commitment to its collaboration with Sierra Leone in health, development and leadership.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education said the seminar demonstrates the practical value of Sierra Leone’s international partnerships by providing access to global expertise that can strengthen public-sector leadership and improve service delivery.
The engagement forms part of efforts to build leadership capacity and support the government’s focus on translating policies and national priorities into measurable results.
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