Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, has participated in the 10113th meeting of the United Nations Security Council, where global leaders convened to deliberate on maintaining international peace and security, with a special focus on children, technology, and education in conflict situations.
The high-level session examined the growing challenges faced by millions of children whose education has been disrupted by war, political instability, and climate-related crises.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Bio said she attended in her dual capacity as First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development. She noted that the discussion underscored the urgent need for coordinated global action to safeguard children affected by conflict.
“I joined global leaders in raising urgent concerns about the millions of children whose education has been disrupted by war, instability, and climate-related crises,” she stated.
Dr. Bio’s participation followed an official invitation from the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, as the United States assumed its one-month presidency of the Security Council.
She commended the initiative to spotlight children in conflict as a critical component of global security conversations.
“I deeply appreciate her leadership in elevating the critical issue of children in conflict to the forefront of global security discussions,” Dr. Bio said.
The theme of the meeting aligns with Dr. Bio’s flagship initiative at OAFLAD, Building Resilience for Women and Children in the Face of War and Climate Change, which seeks to strengthen support systems for vulnerable groups across Africa.
During the deliberations, participants highlighted the potential of technology to expand access to education for displaced and conflict-affected children. However, concerns were also raised about the dangers associated with digital exposure in fragile environments, including online exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.
“Technology must empower and protect — never endanger,” Dr. Bio emphasized, calling for decisive and collective action to ensure safe, inclusive, and quality education for every child, particularly girls, regardless of circumstance.
She reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for policies and partnerships that protect vulnerable children and secure their right to education amid conflict and crisis.
