Remarks at the cocktail reception in commemoration of the 78th United Nations Day Anniversary by the UN Resident Coordinator

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:

We celebrate this year's 78th United Nations Day with the people of Sierra Leone under a significant milestone: the country’s return to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member after 53 years. Voted for by 188 countries out of 193 UN member states on June 6 this year is a clear demonstration of the respect for Sierra Leone in the Comity of Nations. Therefore, let me start my remarks by congratulating the Government and people of Sierra Leone for this achievement. I hope that Sierra Leone will use its membership in the Security Council during 2024-2025 to help shine a spotlight on the array of issues confronting the globe, particularly in Africa, a continent constrained by the global financial squeeze and, more recently, by the threat of democratic recession. As the United Nations, we also wish to commend the Government and the main opposition party, the All Peoples’ Congress, for the recently reached agreement to peacefully address the issues that emerged from the June 2023 elections in the interest of national unity.

Excellencies, we gather tonight to commemorate the 78th Anniversary of the entering into force of The Charter of the United Nations under the theme "Building Resilience: Sierra Leone and the United Nations".  We do so not only to celebrate the longstanding partnership between Sierra Leone and the United Nations but also to reflect on the resilient spirit that has guided our collective efforts to promote peace, sustainable development, and human rights.

In the face of unprecedented global and regional challenges, it is imperative that we recognise the vital role of resilience in fostering sustainable development.  Sierra Leone has shown remarkable resilience in its journey towards peace and prosperity, overcoming significant obstacles and demonstrating unwavering determination to build a brighter future for all its people. The United Nations remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Sierra Leone's national development priorities with just and equitable transitions, human rights, gender equality, and the principle of ‘leaving no one behind’ as our core frames of reference. 

As the United Nations, we commit ourselves to supporting the Government in its efforts to develop a new Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030), ensuring that the priorities outlined in the Five Big Game Changers are fully aligned with our next UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework to be developed early next year.  Transformative entry points that can have catalytic effects across the SDGs include food systems, energy access and affordability, digital connectivity, education, jobs and social protection, and climate action, which are quite similar to the Big Five Game Changers as elaborated by Mr. President at the SDG Summit during the 78th General Assembly Session last month in New York.  Each of these priorities requires consideration of multiple policy levers spanning economic, social, and environmental dimensions.  

As we celebrate this significant milestone of the UN@78, let us acknowledge the remarkable progress achieved through our collaborative efforts. From promoting inclusive governance, enhancing national emergency preparedness and response, advancing women’s and girls’ empowerment, and strengthening health and education systems, our joint endeavours have laid a strong foundation for a more resilient and prosperous Sierra Leone in the future. Full achievement of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development is critical, both in its own right and because sustainable development is ultimately the only way to address the interlinked, multidimensional drivers of violence and insecurity.  Conflict prevention and sustainable development are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. People must be at the centre of our efforts to attain development, overcome poverty and reduce the risks of conflict and violence arising from inequality, marginalisation, and exclusion.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, the work of the United Nations keeps increasing. The ongoing challenges posed by climate change, economic disparities, conflicts, and global health insecurity demand our unwavering dedication and collective action. Together, we must continue to build resilient communities, empower the most vulnerable, and foster an environment that enables sustainable and inclusive development for all.

I commend the Government of Sierra Leone for its steadfast commitment to advancing the principles of the United Nations and for its relentless efforts to promote peace and stability. The United Nations reaffirms its unwavering support for the realization of Sierra Leone's aspiration to be a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient nation. As UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres has said in his message for the 78th UN day:

“The United Nations is guided by timeless values and principles, but it must never be frozen in time. That is why we must always keep strengthening ways of working and applying a 21st-century lens to all we do.”

In closing, let us recommit ourselves to the noble ideals of the United Nations and the collective pursuit of a better world for all.  Together, we can build a more resilient Sierra Leone and a more just and sustainable global community.

Thank you.