Through the Repositioned to Meaningfully Participate and Lead in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) project, supported by the Elsie Initiative and implemented by UN Women, 75 female soldiers stepped forward yesterday at Murray Town Barracks in Freetown to begin a 15-week All-Female Drivers Training.According to Lt. Col. Saio Marah, Commanding Officer of the Transport Regiment, this marks the largest female driver training ever conducted in the RSLAF. He emphasised that the program is designed to equip female personnel with specialised skills to operate vehicles across a range of military operations.UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana described the launch as “a crucial step that will see 75 female officers from RSLAF receiving driving lessons to complement and enhance their skills.” She highlighted that this initiative marks a key milestone in implementing the recommendations of the 2022 Barrier Assessment Study, titled "Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations" (MOWIP), which the Elsie Initiative Fund supports through UN Women.The MOWIP study identified several barriers to women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in peace operations. Among them, limited access to career-enhancing training—such as driving—was noted as a major obstacle to women’s eligibility for deployment in peacekeeping missions.Ms. Wakana further noted that the training not only provides essential mobility skills but also reinforces RSLAF’s commitment to a stronger inclusion agenda. It supports the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act of 2022, particularly the provision calling for at least 30% representation of women in leadership and deployment roles.Reaffirming the UN’s dedication to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, she stated: “We remain steadfast in our support for inclusive peacebuilding, and we will continue to work alongside national institutions to support efforts that enable women in uniform to lead and shape the future of peace and security in this country, the region, and globally.”Representing the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Al Bangura called the launch a transformative program that reflects “our core values of inclusion, equality, and progress.” He emphasised that the 75 female officers are not just learning to drive—they are steering the RSLAF toward a more modern, capable, and gender-responsive future.“To UN Women and the Elsie Initiative,” he added, “we are not just training drivers, we are building confidence, creating economic opportunities, and empowering women to serve in critical, non-traditional roles.”UN Women Head of Office, Setcheme Mongbo, described the training as essential. She envisages a RSLAF where every officer can drive. “We should work towards that, not only for women, but also for men,” she said.The 75 trainees have been divided into five groups, each undergoing five weeks of training, including one week of indoor classes to ensure they become reliable, precise, and safe drivers.As these women take the wheel, they also take charge of a new narrative—one of progress, inclusion, and possibility

Thank you for making time to join this morning’s call as we discuss the UN@80 initiative and our plans for the upcoming UN Day celebrations, which will span several days. Before we dive into that, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each of you for the incredible work you continue to do in support of Sierra Leone’s national development priorities. Through your respective Country Programmes, you are driving real change, and I deeply appreciate your contributions. I also want to invite everyone to stand and observe a one-minute silence to remember and honor UN staff members who gave their lives or lost their lives while saving others and serving our shared mission. Their courage, sacrifice and commitment embody the best of the United Nations — let us hold them and their families in our thoughts as we recommit to the principles and the work, they upheld while working for the UN Family.Now, turning to the heart of today’s discussion- a twofold reflection; one reflection on why the UN was created and where we are now; and another reflection on the yearly celebrations of UN Day which coincides with the commemoration of UN@80. Eighty (80) years ago, the United Nations was born with a simple, powerful promise: “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom”.These 80 years of UN existence are therefore a living legacy of peace, human rights, and multilateral cooperation — the strength of this legacy lies in people, not just institutions.   With the UN turning 80, change is inevitable given the current global landscape. As you know, the UN is undergoing reforms under the umbrella of the UN@80 Initiatives, initiated by the UN Secretary General who set up a taskforce to propose recommendations aimed at informing the future of the UN. This is a discussion we started during our first Town Hall during the first quarter of the year.  On a global scale, the UN@80 Initiative builds on previous reform efforts and is structured around three workstreams:  First stream is on Efficiencies and Improvements: which focuses on streamlining operations, reducing duplication, and simplifying procedures.The second stream is on Mandate Implementation Review for better coherence and delivery of mandates.  The third stream is on Structural Changes and Programmatic Realignment across peace and security, humanitarian, development, and human rights pillars.   While these reforms are happening at the global level, in Sierra Leone, I am sure some of you have already started witnessing these reforms. Some agencies have already or are undergoing restructuring and these reforms are affecting us directly and indirectly.We are all still learning how to navigate the UN@80 transformation. So, it is essential that all staff rely exclusively on official internal communication channels for updates and guidance. Social media platforms may circulate incomplete, outdated, or misleading information that does not reflect the organization’s position or plans. To ensure clarity, consistency, and trust, please refer to messages from the Resident Coordinator’s Office and your respective agency leadership. Your engagement and feedback on the changes within the system must be grounded in verified information shared through our internal systems.With these changes, we encourage the staff to keep up the morale. We are still expected to deliver as the UN.   It is within this context that we are commemorating the UN@80 in Sierra Leone and around the world, but more importantly, in Sierra Leone, we are commemorating 64 years of partnership between the country and the UN.  As you may recall, previous celebrations have only been limited to us as a UN family alone save for the Receptions with the Development Partners where we invite them to come and celebrate with us.Given the current global financial challenges, we have now reconsidered how we celebrate. Unfortunately, there will be no Dinner for staff. Instead, we have adapted our approach to be more inclusive, bringing in both the Government and, for the first time, the private sector. With UNCT’s approval, we have developed a program of events that has strong backing from both UNCT and the Government.  The events that I will soon outline are inclusive enough to get the involvement of UN staff, but also the communities that we are here to serve. They will incorporate the youth, innovators and entrepreneurs that have been working with the respective agencies as implementing partners or otherwise, comedians, artists, among others.   Here is a snapshot of the key events bringing together the UN, Government, and private sector:October 16 onward: we will have a National Quiz and Debate Competition focusing on UN@80, SDGs among others. Preliminary rounds will be held in Bo and Freetown, with finalists competing in Freetown on October 24 at the Miatta Conference Centre.October 23–25: we will have a Photo Exhibition, a Trade Fair, and a Medical Health Check at Miatta Conference Centre.  October 24: we will have a Flag Raising and Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Wilberforce Hockey Pitch. The Military has generously provided the venue free of charge, and we have invited the President to attend.October 25 (afternoon): we will have a Musical Jamboree featuring popular DJs, MCs, and comedians. This is an open event for all staff, families, and friends—come celebrate with us! In recognition of the UN partnership with the private sector over the years, Africell and Rokel Commercial Bank have committed substantial financial and in-kind support towards the UN Day celebrations. Ecobank, The New Brookfields Hotel, and UBA are also actively engaged, and we look forward to their contributions. These partnerships are a powerful example of how the private sector can help us reach wider audiences and create lasting impact. This is what makes this year’s celebration special, the collaborative spirit, bringing together government, private sector, civil society, and the UN family to showcase shared progress and partnership in action. This is indeed already demonstrating uptake and taking action on some of the recommendations of UN@80, which calls for stronger and innovative partnerships. Message to StaffAs I conclude, I would like to share a few take way points for all of us:As we mark 80 years of the UN Charter, this is a moment to reaffirm who we are and why we serve.Every staff member, in every role, contributes to this legacy of peace, partnership, and progress.While reforms are underway, I want to emphasize that staff well-being, transparency, and fairness remain central. Your voices are vital in shaping how we move forward.UN@80 reminds us that our values still hold true:Integrity in how we serve.Professionalism in how we deliver.Respect for diversity in how we engage.You are all warmly invited to take part in the week’s activities, to celebrate, to reflect, and to stand proud as part of a living legacy. “UN@80 is a celebration of years of dedication - of the people behind the mission. 
Together with our partners, we continue to build a world anchored in peace, dignity, and shared humanity.  Thank you for everything you do. I am proud to serve alongside you.  Let us use this UN@80 and UN Day as a moment to recommit with energy, compassion and resolve.” Happy UN Day and UN Week — and Happy 80th anniversary to the United Nations. Thank you. 

Based on available data provided mainly by the Family Support Units (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police and other sources, stakeholders in Falalaba, Moyamba and Kailahun Districts, respectively, have selected 3 Chiefdoms each from these Districts for the implementation of the EU-UN funded Spotlight Initiative 2.0, for the next four years. The Initiative is an expanded phase of a global partnership between the EU and the UN aimed at ending violence against women and girls (VAWG). It builds on the success of the original Spotlight Initiative (2018–2023), which was the largest-ever global investment focused on eliminating gender-based violence.The selection was done through a grading system during stakeholders’ engagements that took place in Kabala on September 1 for Falaba, where Mongor, Neya and Sulima were selected, September 3 in Bo for Moyamba, which selected Korri, Kagboro and Ribbi chiefdoms and September 4 also in Bo, leading to the selection of Luawa, Yawel and Malema chiefdoms for Kailuhun. In Kabala on September 1, where the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr Isata Mahoi, participated in the engagement, she stated that the Initiative will contribute to promoting a comprehensive and transformative approach to eliminating violence against women and girls (VAWG). The Initiative will also adopt a comprehensive approach, focusing on four key outcome areas. These include enhancing the enabling environment for violence prevention and response, preventing violence and addressing its roots, ensuring survivors have access to high-quality support, and empowering civil society to build effective social movements for sustainable change.The Minister congratulated Falaba and the two other Districts for meeting the criteria for selection. She emphasised that while the engagements were to agree on the three chiefdoms in the districts where the project will drill down to address violence against women and girls, the implementation and some of the interventions will benefit the people of the entire Districts, and by extension, the country at large. Also, she urged all stakeholders to exercise due diligence in the selection process, emphasising the importance of their roles in the project's success. She also extended her gratitude to the European Union for the funding and the UN Agencies for their counterpart funding.  The eligibility criteria that was used and validated before the selection focused on the following parameters; Prevalence and Incidence of GBV; Accessibility to GBV Services; presence of Vulnerable or Marginalised Groups; Community Willingness and Stakeholder Support; security and operational Feasibility and Legal and Policy Environment in relation to gaps between national policies and local enforcement, especially under customary law; existing Coordination Mechanisms; and cultural and social norm dynamics: Presence of harmful practices and patriarchal norms. The Spotlight Initiative was officially launched at the national level in Freetown on July 8, 2025, by the Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone. The prevalence of violence against women in Sierra Leone is said to be at 81%, with 53% of women facing intimate partner violence. 83% of women have also experienced FGM. UNDP, UNPFA, UN Women, and UNICEF will implement the Initiative in the selected Chiefdoms in Falaba, Kailahun and Moyamba. At the same time, the Rainbo Initiative will also implement it at a national level.Within the project, UNDP will be responsible for developing strong laws and policies for national action on SGBV, UNICEF for engaging in shifting social norms through community empowerment, UNFPA will provide leadership for survivor-centred services and long-term care, while UN Women will strengthen civil society to drive lasting change. Together, they’re creating a safer, more equitable community for women and girls in Sierra Leone. It is hoped that by the end of the implementation of the Spotlight, a quantum leap of progress will have been achieved in the reduction of violence against women and girls in Sierra Leone.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has officially broken ground for the construction of Sierra Leone’s first-ever canopy walkway at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a project set to transform the country’s eco-tourism landscape.Situated in the pristine Western Area Peninsula forest, the canopy walkway will allow visitors to walk above the treetops while advancing biodiversity conservation, boosting the tourism sector, and creating new economic opportunities for local communities.The initiative forms part of UNDP’s broader support to the Government of Sierra Leone in diversifying the economy, complementing the World Bank–supported Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project. Tourism already contributes 2.6 percent to GDP and sustains more than 41,000 jobs nationwide, a number set to grow with this investment.At the groundbreaking ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative, Frederick Ampiah, stressed the project’s value to both people and planet:“The Tacugama walkway will enhance ecosystem protection, create direct and indirect community benefits, and firmly position Sierra Leone on the global eco-tourism map.”Bala Amarasekaran, founder of Tacugama, welcomed the milestone, calling it a unique opportunity to showcase Sierra Leone’s natural beauty:“This walkway will give visitors a fresh perspective on our forest while strengthening our mission of conservation.”Government officials also expressed strong support. Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai, highlighted the collective responsibility of protecting Tacugama for future generations, while Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kadijatu Grace Kamara, described the initiative as “a pathway to the future where every visitor can experience the light of Sierra Leone.”Once completed, the canopy walkway will create new avenues for eco-tourism, jobs, and entrepreneurship, particularly for young people and women in surrounding communities, while inspiring a new generation to view conservation as both a duty and a driver of sustainable livelihoods.