UN Secretary-General Commends Sierra Leone's Principled Leadership at 80th Assembly

At the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Sierra Leone’s expanding influence in international cooperation and leadership earned recognition from UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The Secretary-General singled out Sierra Leone for its commitment to principles, clarity of focus, and dedication to operating within multilateral frameworks.

Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh relayed the Secretary-General’s comments during a media interview, stating that the UN chief expressed that he had encountered no other nation as principled and focused as Sierra Leone regarding multilateralism, leadership, and vision. This constitutes a significant endorsement for a country consistently strengthening its voice and presence on the global stage.

President Julius Maada Bio has been identified as a fervent proponent of inclusion at the United Nations. His leadership has steered Sierra Leone’s efforts to ensure that diverse constituencies, including youth, women, and other varied voices, are represented in international deliberations. This emphasis aligns with broader international objectives to enhance the inclusivity and responsiveness of global decision-making to all segments of society.

Sierra Leone assumed a prominent position at the General Assembly by chairing the 7th C-10 Summit. This summit commemorated the 20th anniversary of pivotal African agreements, namely the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which are crucial milestones that have defined Africa’s stance on peace, security, and development within the United Nations. Sierra Leone’s stewardship of this summit underscores its ongoing dedication to promoting these continental priorities in global discussions.

Furthermore, Sierra Leone actively participated across various UN committees, submitting statements and proposals that highlighted its engagement in multilateral diplomacy. These contributions attest to the country’s commitment to fostering cooperation and dialogue among member states on a spectrum of issues impacting Africa and the wider international community.

The comments delivered by the UN Secretary-General during this General Assembly session reinforce Sierra Leone’s increasing prominence within the United Nations system. They also reflect the country’s sustained efforts, under President Bio’s guidance, to forge stronger partnerships and collaborate with other nations in addressing shared global challenges.

As Sierra Leone continues to augment its role in global affairs, this high-level recognition from the UN’s most senior official is expected to amplify its influence and highlight the nation's adherence to principled multilateralism and inclusive leadership on the world stage.