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 The United Nations in Sierra Leone on Tuesday commemorated United Nations Day with a high-level cocktail reception that brought together senior Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, civil society representatives, private sector leaders and the United Nations family.Held under the theme, "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All," the event celebrated the enduring partnership between Sierra Leone and the United Nations and reaffirmed the UN Country Team's commitment to advancing peace, sustainable development and prosperity for all. In her welcome remarks, Seraphine Wakana, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, reflected on the UN's more than eight decades of promoting peace, human dignity, human rights and sustainable development. She highlighted the United Nations' longstanding partnership with the Government and people of Sierra Leone in advancing progress across health, education, food security, climate resilience, governance, peacebuilding, gender equality and youth empowerment. "Looking at our work across the country, I am reminded that hope and progress are often strongest in places where people choose cooperation over division and partnership over isolation," she said. "Despite a challenging global environment, the country continues to pursue its development ambitions with determination. The United Nations is honoured to accompany the Government and people of Sierra Leone on this journey." While acknowledging the progress achieved, the Resident Coordinator noted that economic hardship, youth unemployment, gender inequality, climate-related vulnerabilities and financing gaps continue to pose significant challenges. She called for renewed ambition, stronger partnerships and innovative approaches to development financing to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, Hon. Alpha Sesay, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and substantive Minister of Trade and Industry, underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing today's global challenges and reaffirmed Sierra Leone's commitment to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter. "The United Nations represents the enduring value of international solidarity and the conviction that global challenges are best addressed through collective action," he said, recalling the support the Organisation provided to Sierra Leone in restoring peace, strengthening democratic governance and advancing national recovery following the civil conflict. The Acting Minister emphasised the need to restore trust in multilateral institutions through accountability, dialogue and tangible results that improve the lives of ordinary people. He also called for stronger representation of developing countries in global decision-making and reiterated Sierra Leone's support for meaningful reform of the United Nations Security Council to better reflect contemporary global realities. Among the distinguished guests were the Chief Minister, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), members of the diplomatic and consular corps, development partners, and representatives from civil society and the private sector. A highlight of the evening was the ceremonial cutting of the United Nations anniversary cake by senior Government and UN officials  Guests also joined a toast to peace, prosperity, resilience and sustainable development.