AYV News, August 12, 2024
Sierra Leone will today assumes Presidency at United Nations Security Council, where the country’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio will lead the Council’s debate on: ‘Addressing the Historical Injustice and Enhancing Africa’s Effective Representation in the UN Security Council’.
On X, President Bio said: “I am pleased to announce my safe arrival in New York, where I look forward to presiding over several critical sessions as we lead the United Nations Security Council this August. I’m confident that our efforts will yield significant and impactful outcomes.”
President Bio emphasised the significance of this opportunity for the small West African nation, saying; “Today is truly a landmark moment in our history as we begin our presidency of the United Nations Security Council. Our goal is to facilitate meaningful dialogue rooted in mutual trust and respect, aiming for peaceful and sustainable resolutions to conflicts and addressing global challenges collectively.”
President Bio also underscored the importance of advocating for UNSC reforms during his presidency, particularly concerning Africa’s representation, stating; “We will work closely with the P5 and regional groups to vigorously pursue Security Council reform, ensuring the inclusive and equitable representation of Africa’s 1.2 billion people. Seventy-nine years after the founding of the United Nations, it is time to correct this historical injustice.”
The President is scheduled to receive a comprehensive briefing today from Sierra Leone’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, Michael Imran Kanu and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Alhaji Timothy Kabba.
President Bio will also engage in a series of high-level bilateral consultations. These will include a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Dr Dennis Francis, the President of the General Assembly.
His Excellency will also inaugurate the Sierra Leone Peace Exhibition at the United Nations curated through the Sierra Leone Peace Museum and organized by Sierra Leone’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
A State House statement in Freetown said: “This unprecedented debate is among the key initiatives under Sierra Leone’s presidency of the UN Security Council, which began on August 1st 2024.
“After 53 years absence, Sierra Leone’s assumption of the UN Security Council presidency marks a momentous occasion. For the month of August, Sierra Leone will steer the Council’s agenda, preside over meetings, and navigate any international crises that may arise in collaboration with other members of Council. This prestigious role follows Sierra Leone’s successful attainment of a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, effective from January 1, 2024”.
