By George M. O. Williams
FREETOWN — The United Nations (UN) in Sierra Leone has commemorated the 80th anniversary of its founding with a renewed pledge to support national development and global cooperation. The milestone was celebrated during a press conference held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, bringing together representatives from various UN agencies.
Established in 1945 in the aftermath of World War II, the UN has spent eight decades promoting peace, security, and international collaboration. In Sierra Leone, the celebration also marked 60 years of partnership between the UN and the country, underscoring a shared commitment to inclusive development.
Seraphine Wakana, the UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, emphasized the significance of the UN80 Initiative, launched in March 2025. The initiative aims to reform the organization into a more agile, accountable, and effective system capable of addressing today’s complex global challenges.
“This reform effort builds on previous ones and aims to make the UN better equipped to serve people, more accountable and less bureaucratic,” Wakana stated.
She noted that the reforms are particularly vital amid declining global financial support, and include a mandate implementation review to enhance collaboration and reduce duplication across UN agencies.
Highlighting the UN’s impact in Sierra Leone, Wakana reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to working with government, civil society, and development partners to achieve shared goals.
Mariatu Abionor Swaray, Country Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), spotlighted the agency’s contributions to local industrial growth. She cited the ISO certification of SMEs like Jolaks and Sierra Juice as key achievements that have boosted competitiveness and export potential.
Swaray also pointed to UNIDO’s support for energy infrastructure, including the three-megawatt Bankasoka Hydropower Plant in Port Loko District and the Charlotte Dam in the Western Rural District, both of which serve surrounding communities.
“UNIDO has promoted inclusive industrialization through growth centres, solar-powered enterprise platforms, and climate-smart SMEs,” she said. “These initiatives bridge development gaps between rural and urban communities, especially benefiting women and youth.”
She added that these efforts align with Sierra Leone’s national development priorities, particularly in green agribusiness, energy, gender equality, youth empowerment, and industrialization.
Dr. George Ameh, Country Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), reflected on six decades of health partnership with Sierra Leone. He highlighted WHO’s critical role in responding to major health crises, including Ebola, Mpox, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Since the UN was established in Sierra Leone in 1961, WHO has provided technical support and normative guidance to strengthen health systems and improve access to care,” Dr. Ameh said.
He noted that Sierra Leone is among ten African countries maintaining over 90% annual vaccination coverage for children. In 2024, with WHO’s support, the country introduced the RTS,S malaria vaccine, securing over 550,000 doses to combat one of the leading causes of child mortality.
“This intervention is expected to save hundreds of young lives and reduce hospital admissions annually,” he added.
As the UN celebrates 80 years globally and 60 years in Sierra Leone, the organization reaffirmed its dedication to building a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for all.