Guterres Praises Bio’s Leadership in Meeting at UN Headquarters

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has praised President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership and Sierra Leone’s contribution to international diplomacy during a bilateral meeting at UN Headquarters in New York.

The two leaders met on September 22, with discussions focusing on Sierra Leone’s 2024–2025 tenure on the UN Security Council, Africa’s representation in global institutions and regional cooperation.

Recognition of Sierra Leone’s Security Council role

Guterres described Bio as a symbol of unity in Sierra Leone and across West Africa, according to the account of the meeting. He also commended Sierra Leone’s work on the Security Council, particularly its efforts to build consensus and support international peace and security.

Sierra Leone served on the Council during the 2024–2025 term. Guterres said the country had provided leadership during that period and reaffirmed his commitment to Africa, including advocacy for stronger African representation on the Security Council and in international financial institutions.

President Bio thanked the Secretary-General for his leadership and continued support for Sierra Leone and Africa. He said assistance from the UN Secretariat had enabled Sierra Leone to participate fully and responsibly in the Council’s work.

Focus on regional cooperation

Bio also recognised Guterres’s support during his tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. He referred to cooperation between the United Nations and ECOWAS and acknowledged the participation of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed in an ECOWAS summit in Lungi.

“I thank you for the strong partnership between the United Nations and ECOWAS during my chairmanship, as well as for Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s participation in our summit in Lungi,” Bio said.

Bio informed Guterres that Sierra Leone intends to host the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit in Lungi in November 2026.

Message on Guterres’s tenure

During the meeting, Bio said the engagement could be their last bilateral meeting while Guterres remains Secretary-General, although the possibility was not presented as certain.

“As you approach the conclusion of your tenure, Sierra Leone will remember your commitment to multilateralism, to Africa and to the most vulnerable,” Bio told Guterres.

The meeting brought together discussions on Sierra Leone’s recent international role, the country’s regional engagement through ECOWAS and continuing calls for greater African representation in global decision-making institutions.