In a significant international gathering, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone took the stage alongside UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bin Nasser, Chairperson of Education Above All Foundation, to address the Fourth International Day to Protect Education from Attack.
President Bio, serving as the Keynote Speaker, seized the opportunity to shed light on the devastating impact of a decade-long civil war in Sierra Leone on education and the notable strides his nation has made in safeguarding education while seeking justice for the victims.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of education in nation-building and resilience, President Bio issued a passionate call to action to the global community.
He urged nations to unite in their commitment to protect and prioritize education, especially in conflict-ridden regions.
The President reaffirmed his government’s unwavering dedication to ensuring universal access to education within a safe environment, considering it a fundamental human right.
He highlighted the success of data-driven policies and actions aimed at education and inclusive practices that have gained recognition on a global scale.
President Bio pledged to intensify efforts to bolster Sierra Leone’s human capital through their Free Quality School Education Programme.
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Arrives New York for 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Joins Other Leaders in Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity
On Tuesday 12 September 2023 President Bio and delegation arrived in New York for the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, joining colleague Heads of State and Government and other global leaders to rebuild trust in the 2030 Agenda.
Under the theme, “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability for All”, the President is expected to proactively engage his colleague Heads of State, Government officials attending UNGA, Heads of International Financial Institutions, Philanthropic Organisations and the media.
He will also engage with key stakeholders before the commencement of Sierra Leone’s tenure as a Non-Permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2024-2025.
Sierra Leone is expected to assume the UN Security Council Presidency in August 2024. The country, voted for by 188 countries out of 193 UN member states on 6 June 2022, is returning to the Council in that category after 53 years, a demonstration of respect for the small West African nation.
Sierra Leone is now among other countries like Algeria, Guyana, Republic of Korea and Slovenia to join the premier body for maintaining international peace and security.
