UN Agencies Weekly Highlights 13-25th October 2025

RCO

UN Sierra Leone marked the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations with a week of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to peace, partnership, and people-centered development. 

The commemorative events brought together government representatives, development partners, youth, and the wider public under the theme of unity and service to humanity. The observance culminated in a solemn Flag Raising and Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Julius Maada Bio Parade Grounds in Wilberforce, graced by President Brigadier (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio, who paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of UN peacekeepers, including those who served in Sierra Leone during its most difficult years.

The President reflected that “peace comes at a price, and service to humanity is the highest form of patriotism,” honouring the men and women who have served and fallen under the UN flag. In her remarks, UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana highlighted the 64-year partnership between the United Nations and Sierra Leone, noting progress in strengthening institutions, advancing gender equality, enhancing access to health and education, and promoting climate resilience. Wreaths were laid in remembrance of the 42 Sierra Leoneans who lost their lives in UN service, symbolizing the country’s lasting bond with the values of peace and multilateralism.

Complementing the solemn tributes were youth-led celebrations and public engagement activities that showcased Sierra Leone’s vibrancy and creativity. From a nationwide Inter-School Quiz and University Debate Competition to a Health Check Day offering free screenings and a UN@80 Photo Exhibition and Trade Fair, the week reflected collective commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and sustainable progress. The festivities concluded with a Staff Entertainment Night, using music and art to raise awareness on youth empowerment and substance abuse — reaffirming the UN’s enduring mission to build a future of peace, dignity, and hope for all.

UNICEF

Advancing foundational learning for every child in Sierra Leone. 

Improving learning outcomes at the foundational level remains a top priority for the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE). With support from UNICEF and partners, a nationwide learning assessment is currently underway, targeting pre-primary and primary school children across all 16 districts of Sierra Leone. 

The assessment aims to generate critical data that will serve as a national baseline for understanding the current state of learning outcomes among young learners. The findings will inform education planning and policy decisions, enabling the government and its partners to track progress over time as new interventions are rolled out. 

This initiative is a key milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen foundational learning, ensuring that every child acquires essential literacy and numeracy skills early in life. It underscores the government’s strong commitment—supported by UNICEF—to transforming education and creating equal opportunities for all children to thrive and reach their full potential. 

UNICEF showcases impact for children and families at UN@80 celebrations. 

As part of activities marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, UNICEF Sierra Leone joined sister UN agencies, government ministries, and partners at the UN@80 Photo Exhibition and Trade Fair in Freetown. The event celebrated eight decades of multilateralism and collective progress in advancing peace, development, and human rights around the world. 

Through its exhibition booth, UNICEF showcased impactful programmes and innovations that are driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — from improving access to quality education, healthcare, and nutrition, to strengthening child protection, water and sanitation systems, and social protection mechanisms. 

Visitors had the opportunity to engage with multimedia displays, photos, and publications illustrating how UNICEF’s partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and local communities is transforming the lives of children and families nationwide. 

The event also provided a platform for collaboration and reflection on the UN’s shared commitment to achieving the SDGs and leaving no one behind. 
 

WFP

WFP and MBSSE welcome Korean rice donation to strengthen school feeding in Sierra Leone. 

The World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Sierra Leone have received a major boost to the National School Feeding Programme through a generous donation from the Republic of Korea. At a formal handover ceremony held at the WFP Kissy Warehouse in Freetown, officials welcomed over 36,000 bags of rice (40kg each) valued at USD 2 million, donated through Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA). The contribution will provide nutritious daily meals for more than 106,700 children in Bonthe, Kambia, Kenema, and Pujehun districts during the 2025/26 academic year, further strengthening efforts to improve education and food security nationwide.

Building on the success of last year’s support—which benefited 123,500 children and boosted attendance and retention rates—the new donation underscores the continued partnership between WFP, the Republic of Korea, and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE). Speaking at the ceremony, Free Quality Education Coordinator Augustine Koroma noted that the initiative directly supports children’s health and learning outcomes, while Counsellor Inkee Min of the Republic of Korea reaffirmed his country’s commitment to investing in Sierra Leone’s future through education and nutrition.

WFP Representative and Country Director Andrew Odero commended Korea’s steadfast support, emphasizing that the collaboration goes beyond food assistance to reflect solidarity and shared progress. The donation aligns with the Government’s Free Quality School Education initiative, which aims to build human capital, reduce household food stress, and enhance equitable access to education. The event concluded with an official handover and tour of the warehouse, symbolizing a deepening partnership between the Republic of Korea, WFP, and Sierra Leone in their joint pursuit of ending hunger and advancing sustainable development through education.

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