President Julius Maada Bio has called for deeper cooperation between the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), and ECOWAS to support Africa’s peace and security efforts more effectively. He also renewed his appeal for Africa to gain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Speaking at the ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, President Bio emphasized the importance of global and regional unity in maintaining peace across the continent.

“When the United Nations and ECOWAS work together, peace in West Africa moves forward,” he said. “Sierra Leone stands ready to lead, to listen, and to build bridges of understanding across our region.”

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s post-war history, the President acknowledged the critical role the UN played during the nation’s civil conflict. “The blue helmets of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone walked our streets, disarmed 75,000 combatants, and helped us return to peace,” he recalled.

He went on to highlight Sierra Leone’s transformation from a recipient of peacekeeping support to a contributor to global peace efforts. “Today, our men and women proudly serve in UN missions, sharing the lessons of our own journey with countries in need,” he said.

President Bio also spoke about his government’s “Big Five Game-Changer” priorities aimed at improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans. Through the Feed Salone Programme, he explained, farmers are being empowered to make the country self-sufficient in food production.

He pointed to progress in education, healthcare, and renewable energy, noting that initiatives like Free Quality School Education ensure every child has access to learning, while health programs focus on reducing maternal and child mortality. “Across the nation, we are lighting up homes, schools, and clinics because energy is life, and light is dignity,” he added.

As Chair of the ECOWAS Authority and Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten on UN Security Council Reform (C-10), President Bio reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s leadership role in promoting peace, democracy, and reform across Africa.

“When we raise the UN flag beside our national flag, we affirm both sovereignty and solidarity,” he said, paying tribute to peacekeepers and humanitarian workers—especially Sierra Leoneans—who have lost their lives in the service of peace.

The ceremony also celebrated 64 years of partnership between Sierra Leone and the UN, a relationship that continues to strengthen peace, education, health, and gender equality across the country.