By Mohamed Kelfala Fofanah
President Julius Maada Bio delivered a stirring speech on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, during the General Debate of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Week in New York. A distinguished group of heads of state and government, as well as António Guterres, the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), and Dennis Francis, the President of the 78th session of the General Assembly, heard President Bio deliver Sierra Leone’s National Statement.
President Bio connected this year’s theme of “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity” with Sierra Leone’s policy orientation in his speech. He outlined the accomplishments of his administration over its first five years in office, highlighting the war on corruption, the repeal of the death penalty, and the 22% rise in funding for education. Along with highlighting the ground-breaking Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act of 2022, which allows thirty per cent of elected and appointed seats in Sierra Leone to women, President Bio also emphasized the commitment to gender issues.
President Bio presented a five-pillar agenda for his second term that prioritizes food security, youth empowerment, technology advancement, human capital development, and public service reform. His goals for the future expansion and advancement of Sierra Leone are embodied in these pillars.
In addition, President Bio spoke about national and international concerns. He expressed worry about the rise in violence and coups in the subregion of the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS.To create opportunities for everyone, he underlined the necessity of addressing historical injustices, poverty, unemployment, and discrimination. President Bio emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to UN Security Council reforms, electoral system reforms, and regional security while urging member states to respect each other’s political independence and sovereignty.
A primary focus of President Bio’s speech was the appeal for teamwork, reciprocal confidence, and the revitalization of worldwide unity. To ensure that no one is left behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he called on member states to step up their efforts. To reach middle-income status by 2035, President Bio stressed the interconnectedness of all fates and the necessity of international cooperation and solidarity.
During his talk about Sierra Leone’s response to climate change, President Bio stressed the importance of sustainable development and climate action. He urged the international community to give the ecological and economic requirements for sustainable growth and development top priority and praised the Nairobi Declaration made at the Africa Climate Summit.
President Julius Maada Bio urged the international community to address the world’s problems together, reestablish confidence, and fortify international unity. To improve the lives of future generations, he urged nations to follow the road of equity, justice and shared responsibility in his speech.
