UN Sierra Leone marks UN@80 with solemn tribute to Peacekeepers & Youth-Led Celebrations.

The United Nations Country Team in Sierra Leone commemorated the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations with a series of vibrant and inclusive public events, culminating in a Flag Raising and Wreath Laying Ceremony held at the Julius Maada Bio Parade Grounds in Wilberforce. The ceremony was graced by His Excellency, Brigadier (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, who paid heartfelt tribute to the men and women of UNAMSIL for their service during the country’s most challenging times.

Delivering the keynote address, President Bio reflected on the sacrifices made by peacekeepers, stating, “Many of them — from distant lands — made the ultimate sacrifice so that our children could know freedom and our people could live without fear.” He honored their courage, humanity, and enduring legacy of peace, while also recognizing Sierra Leonean peacekeepers who have served under the UN flag. “Those who have served and those who fell in faraway lands carried the spirit of Sierra Leone to the world,” he said, emphasizing that peace comes at a price and that service to humanity is the highest form of patriotism.

President Bio also celebrated the active involvement of young people in the UN@80 festivities, highlighting their role in debating ideas, showcasing innovation, and celebrating Sierra Leonean creativity. A nationwide Inter-Secondary School Quiz and Inter-Varsity Debate competition brought together bright minds from across the country. The finals, held at the Miatta Conference Centre, featured five secondary schools—The Albert Academy, Milton Margai College for the Blind, St. Francis Makeni, Sierra Leone Grammar School, and Queen of the Rosary Secondary School (QRS) from Bo District. QRS emerged victorious in the quiz, led by a team of three confident young women: Samuella Y. Tommy, Francess Rogers, and Isata M. Bangura. “This win is not just for our school, but for every girl who dreams of making a difference,” said Samuella, beaming with pride.

 

In the university debate finals, four institutions—IPAM, Fourah Bay College, Limkokwing University, and Milton Margai Technical University—delivered compelling arguments that captivated the audience. IPAM was declared the winner, with Fourah Bay College placing second and Milton Margai third. Abraham Lappia of Fourah Bay College was named Best Debater and awarded a laptop, while Emmanuel Sahr Bundor of IPAM was recognized as Second-Best Debater.

UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with Sierra Leone’s development partners and extended special thanks to private sector supporters including UBA, Africell, Rokel Commercial Bank, ECOBANK, and the New Brookfields Hotel. Their contributions helped make the milestone celebration possible, which included a three-day Trade Fair, Medical Outreach, and Photo Exhibition beginning on October 23, and culminating in a night of entertainment on October 25—all open to the public.

 

Madam Wakana also highlighted the 64-year partnership between the United Nations and Sierra Leone, noting that collaboration has strengthened institutions, improved public services, and advanced progress in health, education, climate resilience, gender empowerment, and livelihoods. Before concluding with the reading of the UN Secretary-General’s message, she solemnly acknowledged the 42 Sierra Leoneans who have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag since 1948. Wreaths were laid in their memory by President Bio, the First Lady, the Resident Coordinator, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps (China’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone), the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Inspector General of Police. The ceremony concluded with the symbolic cutting of the anniversary cake by President Bio and Resident Coordinator Wakana—a gesture of remembrance and renewed commitment to peace and partnership.

 

The celebrations began with a press conference where the UN Country Team engaged the media on its key achievements in Sierra Leone. Heads of UBA, ECOBANK, Rokel Commercial Bank, and Africell also shared insights on their new partnership with the UN and their contributions to the success of the planned activities.

A major highlight was the Health Check exercise held on Friday, October 24, offering free medical screenings and wellness services to the public. The event drew strong participation from both UN and non-UN entities, reflecting a shared commitment to community health and inclusion. A total of 11 service providers supported the initiative, including eight non-UN organisations—Well Woman, Lifecare Hospital, AMI, Freetown International Hospital (FIH), Sight Savers, National AIDS Secretariat, Women’s Place, and AIDS Healthcare Foundation—and three UN entities: UNFPA, WHO, and UNJMS. Their collaboration ensured a wide range of services, including checks for weight, height, BMI, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, SPO2, blood sugar, hepatitis B, malaria, Widal test, HIV, eye and breast health. The event also featured health awareness briefings, referrals, recommendations, and condom distribution. A total of 377 clients were registered, with the majority being non-UN personnel.

A photo exhibition was also held, showcasing images of the contributions of UN agencies from the country's time as a UN member since 1961 to the civil war period and beyond, including Ebola, COVID, and other interventions.  The Trade Fair allowed SMEs to showcase their locally made products to the UN  staff and the public alike. 

The week of celebrations concluded on Saturday evening with a staff entertainment night featuring music, comedy, and dancing. Artists used the platform to spotlight the critical issue of substance abuse, particularly the growing concern around Kush, Tramadol, and other harmful substances affecting Sierra Leone’s youth.