25/09/2025
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), calling for a "reimagined multilateralism" and a "braver UN" to tackle global challenges.
Here is a summary of the key points from his speech:
1. UN Reform and African Representation
• Security Council: He demanded two permanent seats for Africa on the UN Security Council, stating that the lack of proper African context hinders the body's effectiveness and leads to delays and loss of life.
• Veto Power: He argued that a "veto should never be a verdict against humanity" and criticized what he called "selective adherence to international law" which tests the UN's legitimacy.
• African Partnership: President Bio emphasized that "Africa is not a problem to be solved. Africa is a partner to be empowered."
2. Ceasefires and Conflict
• He called for immediate ceasefires in three conflict zones: Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine.
• Drawing on his nation's history, he cited Sierra Leone's successful transition from civil war to peace with UN support as "proof that multilateral solidarity works."
3. Climate Justice
• President Bio deemed climate change an "existential threat" to Sierra Leone, despite the country's negligible carbon emissions.
• He demanded climate justice, urging developed nations to honor their commitments, including the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge.
• He warned, "If the poorest are left to pay the highest climate price, there is no justice."
Issa of FreetownIssa Kamara Issa Sesay
