Seraphine Wakana's statement at a cocktail reception on the 79th anniversary of the United Nations

It is an honour and a privilege to welcome you this evening, as we gather to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the United Nations. 

United Nations Day, celebrated each year on October 24th, marks the date the UN Charter came into effect in 1945. This celebration offers us the opportunity to amplify our shared agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, which have guided us for the past 79 years. In Sierra Leone, it also serves as a reminder of the UN's active role in helping to promote and foster peace, inclusive and sustainable development, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

Ladies and gentlemen, as UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, the UN remains as relevant today as it was back then: "The United Nations was built by the world, for the world. Since 1945, it has been the place for countries to unite behind global solutions to global problems. Solutions that ease tensions, build bridges, and forge peace. Solutions to eradicate poverty, spur sustainable development, and stand up for the most vulnerable. Solutions that deliver lifesaving relief to people living through conflicts, violence, economic hardship, and climate disasters. Solutions that level the scales of justice and equality for women and girls. Solutions that tackle unimaginable issues in 1945 — climate change, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and outer space."

With only six years remaining towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030 and to due multiple conflicts and financial crisis, it will be very difficult to achieve the SDGs by 2030. In this context, the urgency for nations to unite has never been greater. The demand for more just and equitable global institutions, including the UN, grows louder every day. Recognizing this context, world leaders gathered in New York in September during the 2024 General Assembly and agreed upon the “Pact for the Future” to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs. This pact, alongside the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, opens new opportunities and possibilities, laying the foundation for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order benefiting all peoples and nations.

Ladies and gentlemen, peace is a vital ingredient for the sustainable development of any country, including Sierra Leone. In collaboration with the government, the United Nations, and development partners, we have all witnessed significant progress in Sierra Leone's ability to peacefully address the crises stemming from the 2023 elections through dialogue. This achievement lays the groundwork for inclusive sustainable development, which is only possible when individuals, especially women, youth, and marginalized groups, live in peace and are empowered to participate fully in their communities and economy.

As we celebrate 79 years of the United Nations, we reaffirm our commitment to Sierra Leone's sustainable future. By fostering peace, empowering people, and advancing our shared vision for development, we can achieve a Sierra Leone that is resilient, prosperous, and inclusive for all.

Before concluding, let me commend Sierra Leone for its tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (2024-2025), marking a significant milestone in global diplomatic engagement. The UNCT has played a crucial role in facilitating this journey. As a Security Council member, Sierra Leone now has a platform to influence global decisions on security, human rights, and conflict resolution, offering a unique perspective informed by its own peacebuilding experiences.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone, our development partners, and all stakeholders present tonight. Your dedication and collaboration have been instrumental in advancing the United Nations' mission in this country. We deeply appreciate your contributions and look forward to continuing this vital work with renewed energy, optimism, and a shared commitment to leaving no one behind.

I wish you all a happy UN Day