Freetown, 3 March 2026 — Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, joined global leaders at the United Nations Security Council for discussions on the urgent challenges facing children whose education has been disrupted by war, instability, and climate-related crises.
The Council’s 10,113th meeting, convened under the agenda of international peace and security, focused on Children, Technology, and Education in Conflict. Mrs. Bio attended in her dual capacity as First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
The meeting was hosted under the presidency of the United States, with First Lady Melania Trump extending the official invitation. Mrs. Bio expressed appreciation for the U.S. leadership in elevating children’s education in conflict zones to the forefront of global security deliberations.
While she did not deliver a formal statement, Mrs. Bio participated in the deliberations, underscoring her flagship OAFLAD initiative – Building Resilience for Women and Children in the Face of War and Climate Change. Discussions highlighted the potential of technology to expand educational opportunities for displaced children, while also warning of risks such as exploitation and abuse in fragile settings.
Her participation reflects Sierra Leone’s growing role in international advocacy for women and children, as the country continues to align domestic priorities with global efforts to protect education in times of crisis.
