AYV News, January 16, 2025
President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio met with His Majesty King Charles III at Dumfries House in Scotland as part of efforts to address pressing urbanisation and climate challenges within the Commonwealth.
The meeting followed up on commitments made during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2022, where a declaration on Sustainable Urbanisation was adopted. This declaration aims to tackle the challenges posed by rapid urban growth and climate change across member states.
President Bio and the First Lady participated in a roundtable discussion centered on sustainable urban development. The session highlighted the impactful work of the King’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and community development.
Reflecting on the meeting, President Bio shared his thoughts on social media, emphasizing the importance of the partnership:
“Sierra Leone has benefited greatly from the King’s Foundation over the years. Fatima and I were honored to discuss sustainable urban development with His Majesty. I look forward to strengthening this collaboration to address challenges facing our communities.”
The partnership between Sierra Leone and the King’s Foundation continues to play a pivotal role in driving innovative solutions for sustainable development in the country.
In similar development, President Bio, his wife and Hollywood star, Idris Elba participated in a guided tour of various centres at His Majesty the King Charles III’sEstate in the UK, showcasing the remarkable initiatives of the King’s Foundation.
President Bio said: “Today, Fatima and I had the pleasure of participating in a guided tour of various centres at His Majesty the King’s Estate, showcasing the remarkable initiatives of the King’s Foundation. The Foundation is committed to fostering vibrant communities and empowering youth through programmes focused on health and well-being, educational employment, sustainable construction, textile design, and farming and rural skills, all designed to ensure that people, places, and the planet thrive in unison. I was delighted to share this experience with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, and Idris Elba”.
