President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone delivered an address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today, calling for a “renewed multilateralism” and a more “courageous” United Nations. His speech covered a broad spectrum of global concerns, including armed conflicts, climate change, and the importance of amplifying African voices on the global platform.
President Bio began his remarks by stating that the UN80 initiative calls on the global community to transform the principles of “peace, dignity, and equality” into tangible realities for all people. He emphasized that the complexities of today’s world cannot be addressed by any one country alone.
He appealed for immediate ceasefires in regions such as Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, arguing that the path to a two-state resolution has been blocked and cautioning that “a veto must not become a sentence against humanity.” He further condemned what he described as the “inconsistent application of international law,” saying it has undermined the credibility of the UN.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s history, President Bio pointed to the country’s successful recovery from civil war—with strong UN support—as a clear example that international cooperation can lead to lasting peace.
On the topic of climate change, the President labeled it a “threat to existence” for Sierra Leone, despite the country’s minimal contribution to global emissions. He advocated for “climate fairness,” urging wealthier nations to fulfill their pledges, including the annual $100 billion commitment to climate financing. He stressed that, “If the most vulnerable bear the highest burden of the climate crisis, then justice has failed.”
President Bio also spoke strongly on African inclusion, stating, “Africa should not be seen as a challenge to manage, but as a partner to uplift.” He praised the efforts of regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in resolving disputes in nations such as Liberia and The Gambia.
He called for the allocation of two permanent seats for Africa on the UN Security Council, arguing that without adequate regional insight, the Council’s decisions suffer from delays and loss of life.
Concluding his speech, President Bio reiterated the need for a fairer and more effective international system: “What the world needs is not a louder United Nations, but a more fearless one. The time has come to make the UN serve everyone.”
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