By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, October 24, 2025 — Sierra Leone joined the global community on Friday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and 64 years of partnership between the country and the world body, in a solemn and symbolic ceremony held at the Hockey Pitch, Wilberforce Barracks in Freetown.
The event, themed “United Nations Day 2025: Promoting Peace, Unity, and Global Partnerships,” featured a wreath-laying ceremony and the hoisting of the UN and Sierra Leone flags in honor of over 1,000 fallen peacekeepers, including 42 Sierra Leoneans who lost their lives in service to humanity.
A Legacy of Peace and Resilience
Delivering the keynote address, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio reflected on the deep historical ties between Sierra Leone and the UN, describing the organization’s role as pivotal in the country’s journey from conflict to recovery.
“The story of the United Nations is inseparable from that of Sierra Leone,” President Bio said. “From our earliest days of independence to the darkest hours of civil war, the UN stood with us.”
He highlighted the UN’s instrumental role during Sierra Leone’s civil conflict, particularly its collaboration with ECOWAS and the establishment of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which brought justice and accountability for war crimes and human rights violations.
President Bio emphasized that the UN’s vision of building resilient nations aligns with Sierra Leone’s development priorities, citing the government’s Five Big Game Changers: human capital development, youth employment, technology and innovation, infrastructure, and public service reform.
“With continued UN support, we have made significant progress in healthcare, education, maternal and child health, and social protection,” he added.
A Call for Global Equity
Reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to multilateralism, President Bio renewed the country’s call for Africa to be granted a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, arguing that equitable representation is essential for lasting global peace.
“Global peace and equity can only be achieved when every region has a fair voice in shaping international policy,” he stated.
UN’s Enduring Partnership
UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Seraphine Wakana, praised the enduring partnership between the UN and Sierra Leone, rooted in shared goals of peace, development, and human rights.
“Our collaboration over the past 64 years is a testament to the power of multilateralism,” Wakana said. “Together, we continue to build a resilient, inclusive, and peaceful Sierra Leone.”
She also highlighted Sierra Leone’s recent representation on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member, calling it a milestone in the country’s growing international stature.
The ceremony concluded with renewed pledges from both the government and the UN to deepen cooperation and uphold the values of peace, unity, and global solidarity.