The United Nations Security Council
By Mohamed Kelfala Fofanah
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will be presided over by Sierra Leone in August 2024, and with it will come the significant responsibility of overseeing the Council’s operations and arranging talks on global peace and security. Sierra Leone will have a major chance to represent the UNSC and discuss important issues on a global scale during this month-long presidency.
Under the direction of President H.E. Brig. Rtd. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone will host an unprecedented discussion on the topic of “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Addressing the Historical Injustice and Enhancing Africa’s Effective Representation in the UN Security Council.”President Bio will stress the critical need for UN Security Council reform and redressing the historical injustice against Africa. President Bio is also the Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the UNSC.
The topic of discussion will be how to fully realize Africa’s potential as a vibrant and dynamic continent that can significantly contribute to world peace, security, and prosperity. Certain member states, including C-10 Heads of State and Government or their representatives, have been invited to join the conversation in addition to Council members. The UNSC’s structural imbalance will be brought to light by this event, which will also promote increased African representation in decision-making.
Furthermore, Sierra Leone will host an Open Debate on the role played by regional, national, and international organizations in maintaining peace and security. The country’s path toward peace, the importance of prevention in resolving conflicts, the New Agenda of Peace, the UN Secretary-General’s prevention strategy, and the role of women in peacebuilding will be among the main discussion points. This event, which will showcase Sierra Leone’s commitment to advancing peace and stability, will be presided over by H.E. Timothy Musa Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
During its presidency, Sierra Leone will also hold a Peace Exhibition in New York, exhibiting the country’s peaceful culture through food, fashion, the arts, and other fields. The purpose of this exhibition is to honour Sierra Leone’s contributions to social cohesion and peacemaking.
After 53 years away from the UN, Sierra Leone will rejoin the body in January 2024, demonstrating its commitment to global peace and security. Sierra Leone hopes to address historical injustices, advance global peace, and advocate for African representation by taking over as president of the Security Council.
