President Bio Urges Stronger UN-Africa Partnerships and Permanent Security Council Representation

President Bio Urges Stronger UN-Africa Partnerships and Permanent Security Council Representation

At the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone advocated for a stronger partnership among the UN, African Union (AU), and ECOWAS to bolster Africa's peace and security initiatives. He reiterated his call for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council.

These remarks were delivered during a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the President Julius Parade Grounds in Wilberforce, Freetown, an event co-hosted by the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations Country Team.

President Bio emphasized the effectiveness of UN and ECOWAS collaboration in advancing peace in West Africa, stating, "Sierra Leone stands ready to lead, to listen, and to build bridges of understanding across our region."

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s post-conflict recovery, he highlighted UNAMSIL's crucial role in disarming 75,000 combatants and facilitating the nation's return to stability. Today, Sierra Leone contributes to global peace operations through its personnel serving in UN peacekeeping missions, sharing valuable insights from its own experiences.

President Bio also detailed his government’s Big Five Game-Changer Priorities, designed to enhance citizen welfare. The Feed Salone Programme aims for food self-sufficiency, while the Free Quality School Education initiative ensures equitable access to education. Health sector investments, supported by UN agencies, focus on reducing maternal and child mortality rates through strengthened healthcare, immunization, and maternal services.

The government's commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure is providing power to homes, schools, and clinics, underscoring the belief that energy is fundamental to life and dignity.

In his capacities as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority and Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten on UN Security Council Reform, President Bio reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s dedication to promoting peace, good governance, and Africa’s reform agenda.

He concluded by stating that the simultaneous display of the UN and national flags symbolizes both sovereignty and solidarity, and paid tribute to UN peacekeepers and humanitarian workers, including Sierra Leoneans, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service.