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His
Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio,
President of the Republic of Sierra
Leone,
delivered a powerful address
at the General Debate of the 80th
Session of the United Nations General
Assembly, calling for bold
multilateralism and urgent reform of the
United Nations.
Speaking under the theme
Together for Eighty Years and Beyond:
For Peace,
Development, and Human Rights,
President Bio emphasized that the
United Nations must be
not just a place to meet, but a place
to work
for peace, for people, and for the planet.
Reflecting on Sierra Leones journey
from conflict to peace with the support
of the United Nations, the President
underscored the urgent need to
revitalize the organization to confront
todays challenges of global inequality,
the climate crisis, and protracted
conflicts.
Ceasefire now in Gaza! Ceasefire now in
Sudan!
Ceasefire now in Ukraine!
he declared firmly, stressing that the veto power
must never become a verdict against
humanity.
President Bio reaffirmed Sierra Leones
position on Security Council reform,
echoing Africas long-standing demand
for at least two permanent seats with
full rights and privileges and two
additional non-permanent seats. He
described Africas exclusion as
unjust and unsustainable,
adding that this anniversary should mark
the moment when the international
community finally responds
to Africas call.
On climate change, the President
reiterated that Sierra Leone, despite
contributing minimally to global
emissions, remains highly vulnerable to
its impacts. He emphasized that
climate justice is not charity; it is a
legal and moral obligation.
He urged
developed nations to honor their pledge
of $100 billion in annual climate
financing and announced that Sierra
Leone had ratified the Biodiversity
Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)
Agreement, becoming the 60th country to
do so.
As the current Chair of the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
and Coordinator of the African Union
Committee of Ten Heads of State on
Security Council Reform (C-10),
President Bio outlined his regional
priorities: defending democracy,
combating terrorism, strengthening
integration, and amplifying Africa’s
voice on the global stage.
The world does not need a louder
United Nations; it needs a bolder United
Nations. Now is the time for the UN to
work for all,
President Bio concluded.
Since taking office, President Bio has
dedicated himself domestically to
serving the people and advancing Sierra
Leones economic development.
Internationally, he has championed
multilateralism and promoted global
peace through harmony.
For his outstanding leadership and contribution to world harmony, he was
honored with the
2024 World Harmony
Outstanding Contribution Award.
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