YouSaid · the spoken record

Julius Maada Bio

lines on the record: 99
first: 2018-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The multifaceted crises challenging our global community demand unified action, for our collective strength is determined by our most vulnerable segments. The choices we make today have far-reaching implications for tomorrow. We stand at a crossroads: one path leads to mere rhetorical commitments to equity and solidarity, while the other beckons us to act with conviction, driven by the profound belief in equity and justice — economic, social and political justice. Let us choose wisely, for the fate of generations to come hinges on the decisions we make now.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We request unfettered access to leverage new climate change adaptation and mitigation technologies and shared knowledge. Our salvation from the escalating climate change crisis lies in collective wisdom and concerted efforts. With regard to global solidarity, in today’s complex world, the urgent need to rebuild trust and strengthen global unity stands out. We must adopt a cooperative approach, set aside individualistic actions and promote shared progress based on common values. As we deal with disputes of sovereignty and self-determination across the world, we must also resolve to do so through dialogue, exhausting all avenues for peaceful resolution. In conclusion, in this evolving multipolar world, where conflicts ripple across borders and power dynamics are in flux, we must recognize our shared interests and intertwined destinies.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We will also engage in reviewing the working methods of the Council in order to instil transparency, accountability, democracy and. ultimately, renewed legitimacy. With regard to climate change, our collective pursuit of sustainable development confronts the triple planetary crises of pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss. Despite contributing minimally to these crises. Sierra Leone remains intensely vulnerable to their repercussions, a reality compounded by our limited capacity to cope. Our national adaptation plan, launched in 2018. stands as an embodiment of our commitment. Designed to halve our vulnerability by 2030. it underscores risk awareness, regulatory enhancements, institutional empowerment and gender- responsive adaptation strategies. Sierra Leone seeks equitable and timely access to climate financing.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We must not allow this colonial ethos to persist three quarters of a century later. Africa’s demand for two permanent seats — complete with commensurate rights, including the veto, if maintained — and five non-permanent seats are issues of equity, justice and our right to have an equal say in decision-making on issues that affect the African region. Our conviction is steadfast. Security Council reform should squarely confront this longstanding inequity and imbalance, addressing Africa’s unique circumstances. As the Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the reform of the Security Council. Sierra Leone will continue to advocate and garner support among Member States and other interest groups for the Common African Position, as enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Sierra Leone committed at the 2005 World Summit to support Security Council reform as an essential element of our overall effort to reform the United Nations in order to make it more broadly representative, efficient and transparent and thus to enhance further its effectiveness and the legitimacy and implementation of its decisions. While the discourse has seen forward movement, the historical injustices endured by the African continent remain unresolved in the intergovernmental negotiations. Africa glaringly stands alone as the only region without permanent representation within the Security Council and is conspicuously unrepresented in its non-permanent category. The Security Council remains trapped in the era of 1945. when much of Africa was still in the regrettable grip of colonialism.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Our vision is to serve as the vital conduit linking the ECOWAS community, the African Union and the nations under consideration with the Security Council. As we yearn for tranquillity and justice, we pledge our commitment to collaborate with the five permanent members of the Security Council as one of the 10 elected members and three African representatives. On Security Council reform. Sierra Leone recognizes the pressing issue of the Security Council’s legitimacy, equitable representation and transparency. In a world reshaped by geopolitical realities, true global peace and security hinge upon the reform and rejuvenation of the Security Council and the General Assembly. Joined by fellow United Nations Member States.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We aspire to nurture relationships rooted in solidarity, cooperation and mutual respect, all directed towards a shared global future. With regard to our Security Council tenure, as Sierra Leone takes its non-permanent seat on the Council for the 2024-2025 term, after a hiatus of 53 years, we are deeply aware of our shared duty to uphold international peace and security. The profound nexus between peace, development and human rights will be the beacon guiding our priorities. We stand poised, resolute and committed to forging a world where those ideals are not mere aspirations, but enduring realities for all. Sierra Leone fully subscribes to the ideals of multilateralism as a tool for global peace and security.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“In our engagement on the international stage, we hope for understanding and mutual respect, especially on important issues like national elections. Constructive dialogue and open channels of communication should be the pillars of our global interactions and not punitive unilateral coercive measures that do not further entrench democracy but instead strain relations between nations. Sierra Leone remains steadfast in its commitment to free, fair and credible elections, alongside our dedication to the rule of law. We believe that democratic progress is a journey and that its pace varies from one nation to another. We respect the individual paths countries have taken in their quest for democracy and anticipate the same level of understanding and respect for ours.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“It is regrettable to note the decision of certain Member States to introduce unilateral coercive measures, including visa restrictions, on Sierra Leonean citizens following the recent multi-tier national elections. We observe that such unilateral measures, which are in contravention of international law. have sometimes been the response to electoral outcomes in other African nations to exert political pressure. As members of the international rules-based community. African States strive for sovereignty and meaningful cooperation based on mutual respect and understanding. In democratic processes, every democracy faces unique challenges. However, the essence of sovereignty, as contained in the United Nations Charter, is the ability of Member States to address and resolve internal matters independently and without external pressure.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“To address those historical challenges and consolidate our democratic gains, a comprehensive review of the electoral system is necessary in order to reform Sierra Leone’s electoral landscape. The National Electoral Systems Review Committee will comprise the Government, civil society, political parties, professional organizations and development partners. It holds the mantle of evaluating existing frameworks, institutional arrangements and observer mission reports. Its mandate extends to proposing vital reforms fortifying Sierra Leone’s electoral integrity. Those actions encapsulate our commitment to forging a fertile environment for dialogue, affirming democratic governance and fostering enduring peace.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“As vehicles of democratic transformation, elections fortify governance and enable peaceful transitions. After our nation’s multi-tier elections on 24 June, we stand resolved to strengthen our democratic foundations. Recognizing the significance of deepening our democracy. I have instituted a National Electoral Systems Review Committee to address historical challenges in our electoral process. Since our first multi-tier elections were conducted after the civil war ended in 2002. the electoral process has been plagued with persistent challenges, including contestations of declared presidential election results by the constitutionally mandated Electoral Commissioner.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Instead, they arise from genuine, open conversations. True dialogue requires that everyone at the negotiating table be ready to seek and find common ground. While we emphasize the importance of dialogue, we cannot ignore a crucial reality — the ongoing threats to our continent’s constitutional stability are signs of deeper problems. Every action that undermines the rule of law is connected to underlying issues. Those range from past and present injustices to the burdens of poverty and widespread unemployment and the dangers of discrimination. Our duty is clear — we must lift our people from poverty. We should focus on creating jobs and supporting industries that benefit our countries and our continent. I would now like to talk about national electoral reform.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“However, that challenge also presents an opportunity for innovation, collaboration and reimagining our global priorities. On peace and security in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region, we view with deep concern the rising tides of insecurity and the subtle erosion of democratic governance and ideals in the West African subregion and the Sahel. Sierra Leone raises its voice alongside our ECOWAS allies, expressing unequivocal dissent towards any extraconstitutional changes of Government. Such challenges to the very bedrock of our democracy threaten the stability of individual nations and the fabric of our collective African identity. While we stand united, it is not simply a call to maintain things as they are. Real stability and lasting peace do not come from resisting threats or building defences.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Our world faces formidable challenges — widespread poverty, persistent hunger, the looming shadow of climate change and the unsettling presence of sustained and emerging conflicts. To honour our 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development commitments, the States Members of the United Nations must rekindle the fires of trust and galvanize a renaissance of global solidarity. Trust requires the harmonious amalgamation of our collective wisdom and resources. Solidarity mandates our unwavering cohesion, even when navigating different or opposing philosophical terrains. In pursuing the 2030 Agenda, we must resolve to leave no one behind. We must fervently champion inclusivity, recognizing the intrinsic value of every individual, irrespective of their circumstances. Progress has been made, but we acknowledge that the road ahead is challenging.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“As we stand at this juncture, let us remember the noble ambitions enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations — to foster international cooperation and confront and surmount challenges, be they economic, social, cultural or humanitarian in nature. It is in unity and shared purpose that the promise of a brighter, just and peaceful world is realized. The resonant theme of the current session of the General Assembly therefore opens a horizon of possibilities, beckoning us to harmoniously forge ahead in the shared pursuit of “accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and enduring sustainability for all”.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Thirdly, our youth employment scheme promises our younger generation that their energy, passion and ambition will find fertile ground in Sierra Leone. Fourthly, our cutting-edge technology and infrastructure programme was conceptualized to pave sustainable pathways of economic ascent. Fifthly, a thorough revamp of our public service architecture refines its essence for the utmost efficiency, professionalism and service delivery. Seventy-eight years ago. the United Nations was born of the profound understanding that peace, development and human rights are inextricably intertwined. Each element nourishes the other, creating an equilibrium that is essential for global harmony.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“I proudly inscribed our nation’s pledge to reserve a minimum of 30 per cent of seats in elected and appointed offices for women, while ensuring equal employment opportunities, lengthening maternity leave and compelling our financial institutions to chart pathways that strengthen women’s access to the financial resources that they rightfully deserve. As I step into my second term, my Government has carved out five pillars that guide our national development trajectory to spur sustainable development and social progress. First, food security, intertwined with investment in agriculture, is poised not just to feed our nation but to fuel job creation, propel economic growth and alleviate the weight of poverty. Secondly, our human capital development is meticulously crafted for the modern era. with a special lens focused on gender equality.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“In our unwavering commitment to dismantling the barriers of gender inequality, my Administration declared a state of emergency for the heinous crimes of rape and sexual and gender-based violence. Sierra Leone urged the global community for solidarity with respect to access to justice and remedies for the survivors of sexual violence and the recognition of 18 November by the General Assembly as the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation. Abuse and Violence. Our Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act of 2022 shows our commitment to equality. With that Act.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We rooted out the unpleasant legacies of the past, repealing antiquated laws such as the seditious libel statute that had lingered for half a century. We consigned the death penalty to the annals of history and charted bold advances against the scourge of corruption. Our devotion to education was unambiguous. More than 800.000 new learners were introduced under our auspices, and we significantly augmented domestic educational funding, ensuring that it constituted an average of 22 per cent of our national budget. We championed an ethos of radical inclusion, providing unfettered and tuition-free access to quality primary and secondary school education for all.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“My re-election as President for a second and final term serves not merely as an endorsement of my leadership but also a solemn testament to my Government’s commitment to fashioning a Sierra Leone that thrives as a united, peaceful and dynamic bastion of hope and opportunity — a nation in which our aspirations for abundant jobs, food security, quality education and equitable health care are not mere dreams but manifest realities, and in which justice and opportunity are not the prerogatives of a few but the birth right of all. In the face of global upheavals, from the pandemic to the geopolitical tensions exemplified by the war in Ukraine and the ensuing food crisis, my first term stood as a beacon of our commitment to democratic freedoms and human rights.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“The soul of Sierra Leone, echoing the spirit of Pan-Africanism, resonates with the clarion call of this year’s theme to rebuild trust and reignite global solidarity. A testament to our enduring democratic spirit was showcased on 24 June when, in free, fair and peaceful multi-tier elections, the Sierra Leonean people elected their leaders across various tiers of governance.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Permit me to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the President on his assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its seventy-eighth session. My delegation and I stand unwaveringly by his side, committed to fortifying the bedrock of global unity during his tenure. I offer my profound respect and gratitude to his predecessor. Mr. Csaba Korosi of Hungary, whose deft stewardship of the seventy-seventh session is a guiding beacon for all. The dedication of the Secretary-General. Mr. Antonio Guterres, in weaving together the strands of global consensus in order to combat poverty and planetary crises and champion the Sustainable Development Goals is a testament to his leadership.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“As Africa continues to advocate and canvass support for the African Common Position, as espoused in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, I urge Member States to continue to demonstrate their renewed commitment and political will to correct the historical injustice done to Africa by supporting the reform of the Security Council so as to make it a more inclusive, democratic, transparent, accountable, legitimate and efficient global organ, which properly reflects and adequately addresses the geopolitical realities of our present and future world. Sierra Leone is committed to engaging constructively within the multilateral rules-based order of the United Nations. Only through global cooperation can we engender and implement transformative solutions to global challenges.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We believe that the progress made during the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly is underpinned by the Assembly’s acknowledgement of the wider recognition and broader support by Member States for the legitimate aspiration of African countries to play their rightful role on the global stage.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“My Government reaffirms its commitment to the relevant provision of the Charter of the United Nations and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, as contained in resolution 1514 (XV). We join the call on all parties engaged in the dialogue on decolonization to continue to demonstrate good faith and a firm commitment to the conclusive and durable resolution of all sovereignty disputes. As the Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on reform of the Security Council, I am pleased to note the commendable progress that has been achieved in the intergovernmental negotiations on the reform of the Security Council.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Small States make up the majority of the States Members of the United Nations, and they are the strongest advocates for the rules-based international system that underpins the work of the United Nations. Indeed, small States have served as key drafters, negotiators and thought leaders on a variety of international issues. They have diligently done that through transparency of purpose and coalition-building across the board. In that connection, Sierra Leone proposes further pursuing such values in the Security Council. I count on the invaluable and resounding support of this organ for Sierra Leone’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the term from 2024 to 2025, with elections to be held in June 2023.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“On 2 September, the General Assembly adopted by consensus the landmark resolution 76/304, entitled “International cooperation for access to justice, remedies and assistance for survivors of sexual violence”. I thank the Assembly. The General Assembly therefore affirmed the sincere and shared belief of the global community that sexual violence is condemnable, and that Member States must take effective action to address it, as well as to provide access to timely and unimpeded justice through national legislation for victims and survivors. As the global community, we signalled our resolve to address that scourge. We must now do all that we can to implement access to justice and other remedies to ensure dignity for all survivors of sexual violence.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In every corner of the globe, survivors of sexual assault are inhibited in holding perpetrators accountable and accessing empowering health, legal and economic remedies. In Sierra Leone, we have taken extensive legislative and administrative actions to address sexual and gender-based violence since my declaration of rape as a national emergency in 2019. Last year, before this Assembly, I announced that I had directed the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations to sponsor at the General Assembly a stand-alone draft resolution on access to justice for survivors of sexual violence (see A/76/PV.6). I called for global solidarity on the issue and for the United Nations to give all survivors of sexual violence the remedies that they deserve.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Efforts to increase the domestic financing of health care should be supported with increased multilateral financing and enhanced cooperation. Sierra Leone remains wholly committed to the global agenda that puts women and girls at the centre of inclusive and sustainable development. We believe that we cannot deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development without the achievement of gender equality and women’s empowerment. We must therefore garner multilateral support to achieve and sustain gender equality and the empowerment of women in our lifetime. Sexual violence is a grave threat to justice and the fundamental rights of men, women and children throughout the world.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The COVID-19 pandemic reminds us that equity, multilateral cooperation and a comprehensive global response are what we need to address health emergencies that have a potential to undermine global peace, security and development. Sierra Leone affirms its commitment to global efforts aimed at exploring innovative and effective ways to enhance health security and pandemic preparedness, build capacities to respond to health emergencies and enhance greater resilience in health-care delivery. Sierra Leone believes that multilateral support is urgently needed to complement national efforts aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality, preventing epidemics, tackling tropical and communicable diseases, building health-care infrastructure and the capacity of health-care personnel and strengthening primary health care.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In order to address the global food crisis, which is disproportionately affecting the least developed countries, Sierra Leone joins the urgent call for action to escalate financing to support agriculture and irrigation and enhance food systems and nutrition for vulnerable populations and social protection for at-risk populations. Sierra Leone also associates itself with calls to ease global supply constraints, especially on fertilizers, rice and other agricultural commodities. Multilateral support for establishing agricultural development banks that will support private agricultural investments and agricultural added value chains will promote self- sufficiency and greater resilience in that sector.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“As co-Chair of the High-level Steering Committee on SDG 4 and a champion of the Transforming Education Summit, which just took place at the beginning of this seventy- seventh session of the Assembly, I urge for concerted global efforts to address the learning crisis. We can mobilize innovative financing models, underwrite universal access, especially for girls and learners with disabilities, promote technology in education, make greater investments in foundational literacy and numeracy, address water, sanitation, hygiene and other infrastructure deficits, support school feeding programmes, fund technical and vocational training and finance other needs across the full spectrum of the education sector. With close cooperation among States, we are confident that we can address the learning crisis in our time.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Among other things, such a treaty must prioritize conservation measures, the fair and equitable sharing of monetary and non-monetary benefits, meaningful capacity development and the transfer of marine technology. Human capital development is a critical driver of inclusive and sustainable economic development. Sierra Leone has increased domestic financing for education, provided teaching and learning materials and improved education policies and governance. More children and more girls, including pregnant girls, poorer and rural learners and learners with disabilities are now in school. But we can go beyond those access deficits.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“There are also opportunities, especially in Africa, and Sierra Leone in particular, for just energy and rural agricultural transitions. Fair and accessible multilateral climate financing can catalyse the global and country-specific measures and innovation necessary to build and support sustainable climate resilience. Green investing can support sustainable development. In such efforts, the roles and interests of women and young people must be central to climate investments. Sierra Leone is fully committed to concluding a treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Global warming, unpredictable weather patterns, rising sea levels and land degradation are taking a profound toll on global food and water security. There are associated governance and stability costs. We are informed that Africa faces disproportionate risks and costs from climate change. We must therefore be consistent in meeting our commitments to all existing international frameworks for addressing climate change. Beyond the usual declarations, we must collaborate on and coordinate mitigation efforts, improve infrastructure for early-warning systems, invest more in improving the management of water resources, promote disaster-risk management and enhance the conservation and protection of natural habitats.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Our progress towards achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 has been complicated by the repurposing of global development and investment finance, disruptions in production and supply chains, growing food and energy insecurity, general slowdowns in the economies of nations and the perennial adverse effects of climate change. I call on the global family to be intentional and fair about developing innovative development financing products that are free from the stringent restrictions and high transaction costs associated with concessionary loans. Multilateral financial institutions can de-risk investments that are critical to sustainable development. Aid must also be aligned with domestic development priorities. The adverse effects of climate change know no borders.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“His timely submission of his report entitled Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), which speaks to strengthening global governance with a focus on a future agenda driven by multilateral solidarity and collective action, is also commendable. As our world wrestles with an unprecedented and volatile economic outlook resulting from the lingering effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and other crises, the theme of this session, “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges”, is most appropriate and timely.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Let me commend the President of the General Assembly at its seventy-sixth session, His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Shahid, for his sustained efforts in returning the General Assembly to its pre-pandemic work pace and for his message of hope. Let me also extend my congratulations to you, Mr. Korosi, on your assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly. I am gratefully optimistic about your leadership in these unprecedented times. I also commend Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for galvanizing the necessary multilateral support in search of solutions to meet the scale and urgency of current global challenges.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Let me conclude by reiterating that Sierra Leone will work with partners to enhance the multilateral rules-based order, collaborate on our shared post- COVID global agenda and build back better and more sustainably.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“As asserted in the African Common Position, articulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, redressing that historical injustice against Africa is an urgent priority. Africa demands no fewer than two permanent seats with all the rights and prerogatives of permanent members, including the right to veto, if the veto is retained, and two additional seats in the Security Council’s non-permanent category. On behalf of African Union member States, I urge all members to demonstrate their renewed commitment to reforming the Security Council and making it more representative, inclusive, democratic, transparent and accountable.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We can start to redress these gross imbalances by reforming the Security Council to make it more broadly representative, efficient and transparent and thereby enhance the legitimacy of its decisions. Sierra Leone recognizes the commitment that has been demonstrated to injecting new life into the discussions on reform of the Security Council. As Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on reform of the Security Council, Sierra Leone is pleased to note the progress made during the seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly in acknowledging Member States’ wide recognition of and broad support for Africa’s legitimate aspiration to playing its rightful role on the global stage.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Sierra Leone notes the remarkable progress that the United Nations and Member States have made on the issue of decolonization. We therefore encourage Member States to map out fresh approaches to advancing the decolonization agenda, in line with the mandate contained in resolution 1514 (XV). A post-COVID world order requires more partnership and collaboration with input from all nations on all continents across the world. We cannot exclude the voices of the 54 nations and 1.2 billion members of the world’s population who live in Africa. We cannot justify that exclusion with power structures set up 75 years ago. We must reaffirm our common values and address our shared aspirations as equals.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The success of global recovery efforts will therefore depend on the recovery of the countries in fragile situations. We have undertaken voluntary national reviews and peer reviews as self-assessment tools for taking stock of the progress we have made and the challenges with which we must contend. We believe that through our ongoing reforms we can transition from fragility to a sustainable and resilient future. By investing in human capital development and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions, we believe that future is attainable. A fairer and more equitable post-COVID-19 world order is possible when all nations and regions of the world can dialogue as equals. We must eradicate hierarchies of power and discuss our common concerns and shared aspirations as equals.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We urge the United Nations to increase its collaboration and partnerships with those bodies and Governments in order to usher in a more peaceful subregion. My country provides leadership to the conflict-affected and fragile countries of the Group of Seven Plus (G-7+). We emphasize the nexus between peace and development and reaffirm our joint call for a global ceasefire and the pursuit of peace through national dialogue and reconciliation. Only then will our nations be able to emerge from fragility into sustainable development. While the COVID-19 pandemic is universal, it has disproportionately affected countries such as ours in the G-7+ group. The world’s poorest nations face the grim challenges of global economic downturns, reduced foreign aid and larger trade deficits.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“However, as with other least developed countries, the climate financing gap remains a key challenge to the implementation of our mitigation and adaptation measures. Accordingly, Sierra Leone joins other least developed countries in calling for a green climate fund to meet the $100 billion target to support the mitigation and adaptation plans of developing countries. Through that we can create new green jobs, especially for young people and women, encourage sustainable and inclusive communities and build resilience to climate-change shocks. In spite of that progress, our subregions in Africa are dealing with peace deficits arising from violent extremism, piracy and other forces of instability. Our continental organization, the African Union, and our subregional Economic Community of West African States are fully engaged.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We have complemented international action with local initiatives and cooperation models. The perils of climate change in land degradation, erratic rainfall patterns and rising sea levels and temperatures loom large. Together they threaten food and water security, fish resources and energy access. Sierra Leone is on board with all global climate-action commitments and looks forward to participating in the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Glasgow and the fifteenth Conference of Parties of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. We are integrating climate-smart polices and projects into our development priorities. Last year, we established a statutory agency to enhance our capacity to deal with the full cycle of disaster management.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“In Sierra Leone, we have expanded legal aid services to poor and underserved people and established special courts to fast-track cases in the areas of sexual offences, social security, corruption and small claims, among others. Sierra Leone urges global solidarity with regard to access to justice and remedies for survivors of sexual violence. That builds on our domestic efforts against sexual and gender-based violence. In that regard, I have directed the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations to sponsor a stand-alone resolution on the issue in the General Assembly. Let this be the year that the United Nations gives all survivors of sexual violence the remedies they deserve. We will also continue to work closely with partners on cybersecurity and digital public goods, as well as to curb irregular migration of persons.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The Gavi Alliance has supported the provision of more vaccines. We are reducing maternal and child mortality across the country and look forward to more partnerships to make even more progress. With respect to the right to work, we have regularly paid salaries through the COVID-19 period and provided support for vulnerable populations. There is greater Internet penetration and we are increasing energy access throughout the country through a mix of sources, including solar power. Sierra Leone associates itself with international efforts to protect the rights of women, get more women ready for the workforce, expand their access to resources and promote gender empowerment and equity. Building resilient and inclusive post-coronavirus societies involves increasing access to justice in a safe and secure society.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Coupled with comprehensive school safety measures, a revamped curriculum, hybrid education technologies, credible transition examinations, school meals, school health and other forward-looking policies, we are making steady progress in Sierra Leone. We seek partnerships to further expand these investments in education, technical training, higher education and entrepreneurship. Only then can our young people seize opportunities to expand the economy, innovate, take advantage of the technologies of the fourth industrial revolution and create new possibilities for our nation. In our efforts to ensure the right to health we have simultaneously battled COVID-19 and other disease burdens such as malaria, HIV and tuberculosis, thanks to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“No journalist is in prison for the practice of journalism in Sierra Leone. We have abolished the death penalty in our nation. Throughout the COVID-19 period, we have promoted the right to education through creative solutions, including nationwide distance learning and hybrid education technologies. We have added 800,000 more learners and increased domestic education financing to 22 per cent of the national budget, and learning has continued throughout the pandemic period. Our policy of radical inclusion grants tuition-free and safe access to quality education to all learners, including pregnant girls, parent learners and children from poor and rural areas or living with disabilities.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)