By Davida Spaine-Solomon

Freetown, 24th October 2025- In a solemn and symbolic event held at the Wilberforce Hockey Pitch in Freetown, Sierra Leone joined the global community in celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations on October 24, 2025. The Flag Raising and Wreath Laying Ceremony honored fallen soldiers, police officers, and civilians who lost their lives in the line of UN duty.

Historical Background

The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945, following the devastation of the Second World War. Sierra Leone became the 100th member of the UN on September 27, 1961, just five months after gaining independence. In 1963, the country participated in its first UN peacekeeping operation in the then-Congo, now the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, Sierra Leonean soldiers, police, and civilians have continued to contribute to UN peacekeeping missions around the world. According to the UN, 42 Sierra Leoneans have paid the ultimate price while serving under the UN flag.

Remarks by the United Nations Resident Coordinator

Delivering her statement, Madam Seraphine Wakana, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, welcomed President Julius Maada Bio, the First Lady, government officials, and development partners to the celebration. She emphasized the significance of 80 years of global peace, human rights, and sustainable development, highlighting the 64-year partnership between the UN and Sierra Leone. Madam Wakana expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces, Sierra Leone Police, and partners including UBA, Africell, Rokel Commercial Bank, ECOBANK, and New Brookfields Hotel for their support in organizing the ceremony. She reflected on Sierra Leone’s steady progress through UN-assisted programs in education, gender equality, health, and climate resilience.

President Julius Maada Bio’s Keynote Address

In his keynote address, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio described the event as a moment of remembrance and renewal. He reflected on Sierra Leone’s journey with the UN—from joining in 1961 to hosting one of its most successful peacekeeping missions, UNAMSIL. The President noted that Sierra Leone has evolved from being a recipient of peace to becoming a contributor to global peace efforts, with Sierra Leonean peacekeepers serving proudly across various missions. He underscored the importance of unity, governance, and sustainable development through his ‘Big Five Game-Changer’ priorities—Feed Salone, Free Quality Education, healthcare, energy access, and digital transformation.

Advancing Africa’s Voice in Global Governance

President Bio reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s leadership role within ECOWAS and the African Union, advocating for Africa’s permanent representation on the UN Security Council. He stated that this demand is not a plea but a matter of justice and equality, underscoring Africa’s right to a stronger voice in global decision-making. He also called for stronger collaboration between the UN, AU, and ECOWAS to ensure predictable support for peace and security across the continent.

Honoring Fallen Peacekeepers

As wreaths were laid and flags raised, tributes were paid to the men and women—Sierra Leoneans and internationals—who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of global peace. President Bio honored the memories of UNAMSIL personnel who served during Sierra Leone’s civil conflict, as well as Sierra Leonean peacekeepers who have since died serving under the UN flag.

Sierra Leone’s Partnership with the UN

The President extended appreciation to all UN agencies for their steadfast support in Sierra Leone’s recovery and development. He commended UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, UNFPA, WFP, FAO, UN Women, UNIDO, UNOPS, UNHCR, IOM, and UNESCO for their contributions in governance, health, education, gender empowerment, and food security. He emphasized that the UN’s footprints are visible in every province of the nation.

Looking Ahead: The UN at 100

Looking forward to the UN’s centenary in 2045, President Bio envisioned a reformed and inclusive organization that truly represents all nations. He called for a United Nations that is digital, humane, and centered on tangible progress—measured not by resolutions but by lives improved. He expressed hope for a world where Africa is not on the margins but at the center of global decision-making.

Conclusion

The ceremony ended with a call to reflection and renewal—urging Sierra Leoneans to recommit to peace, unity, and development. President Bio reaffirmed that Sierra Leone will continue to champion peace and democracy both at home and abroad, standing tall among nations in the spirit of the United Nations’ founding ideals.

Celebratory Moment

As the ceremony drew to a close, a symbolic cake-cutting took place to commemorate the United Nations’ 80th anniversary. The act represented unity, renewal, and shared global commitment to peace and progress. Dignitaries, government officials, and UN representatives joined together in this joyous moment, marking the end of a solemn yet celebratory event.