By Davida Spaine-Solomon
Freetown, 20th October 2025- As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, members of Sierra Leone’s media, both traditional and social, joined UN officials and private sector partners at a press conference held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.
The event, organized ahead of UN Day celebrations, served as a moment of reflection on eight decades of global service and a renewed call for reform and relevance in a changing world. UN Resident Coordinator Madam Seraphine Wakana described the milestone as both a celebration and a challenge.
“Eighty years ago, the United Nations was born with a powerful promise. That promise remains our guiding light,” she said. “As we celebrate UN@80 globally, we also mark 64 years of partnership between Sierra Leone and the United Nations, a partnership built on mutual respect and shared goals.”
Madam Wakana outlined the UN@80 Initiative launched by the Secretary-General, which focuses on three transformative workstreams: Efficiencies and Improvements – streamlining operations and reducing duplication; Mandate Implementation Review – enhancing coherence and delivery across mandates; Structural and Programmatic Realignment – reshaping how the UN works across peace, security, humanitarian, and development pillars.
She also unveiled a week-long lineup of activities to commemorate UN@80 and UN Day, including a National Quiz and Debate Competition, Photo Exhibition, Trade Fair, Health Check at the Miatta Conference Centre, and a Flag Raising and Wreath-Laying Ceremony expected to feature His Excellency the President.
The celebrations will culminate in a Musical Jamboree Showcasing Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage.
Madam Wakana extended gratitude to private sector partners, Africell, Rokel Commercial Bank, Ecobank, UBA, and The New Brookfields Hotel, describing their involvement as “a new chapter in UN-private sector collaboration” aligned with the reform goals of the UN@80 Initiative.
Africell Sierra Leone’s Managing Director and CEO, Shadi Gerjawi, congratulated the UN on its 80th anniversary, calling it “80 years of unity, shared purpose, and tireless pursuit of peace, development, and human rights.”
“At Africell, we stand proud to be part of this noble journey,” he said. “For 15 years, we’ve worked hand in hand with the UN in Sierra Leone, providing high-quality internet and communication infrastructure to support peacekeeping and humanitarian coordination.”
Gerjawi spotlighted Africell’s partnership with UNICEF to launch a free short-code Learning Passport for students, giving thousands of children access to educational materials. The company’s E-Learning Center trains over 1,500 students annually in digital literacy, directly advancing SDG 4: Quality Education.
Africell’s leadership in gender equality was also highlighted. As the first company in Sierra Leone to sign the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, Africell has rolled out programs promoting women’s leadership, workplace equity, and digital inclusion.
“When women are empowered, communities become stronger, and nations move forward,” Gerjawi said.
He also emphasized Africell’s contributions to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) through support for over 74 radio stations broadcasting civic and peacebuilding content, and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through expanded digital connectivity and innovation.
“Communication is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline,” he concluded. “As the UN celebrates 80 years, Africell reaffirms its commitment to connecting people, empowering communities, and driving sustainable change.”
UBA Sierra Leone’s Managing Director and CEO, Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, echoed the spirit of partnership and progress, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to sustainable development.
“At UBA, sustainability is not an afterthought, it is central to our operations,” he said. “We align our corporate strategy with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on empowering communities and fostering economic resilience.”
Samoura outlined UBA’s multifaceted programs in environmental restoration, social welfare, economic empowerment, and digital inclusion. He reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to innovation and financial inclusion, especially for youth and women.
“As Africa’s global bank, our mission goes beyond banking, it’s about building the foundation for a sustainable future,” he stated.
The press conference concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Osman Benk Sankoh, followed by closing remarks and a group photo.
In her final words, Madam Wakana reminded attendees that UN@80 is not just a celebration of the past, but a recommitment to the ideals that unite the world.
“Let us use this UN@80 and UN Day as a moment to recommit ourselves,” she said. “Together, we continue to build a world anchored in peace, dignity, and shared humanity.”
