New York, Thursday, 22 September 2026 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has commended the leadership of Sierra Leone’s President, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, during a bilateral meeting at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Secretary-General Guterres expressed his pleasure at receiving President Bio, describing him as a symbol of unity in Sierra Leone and across the West African region.
He also praised Sierra Leone’s leadership during its 2024–2025 tenure on the UN Security Council, highlighting the country’s efforts to build consensus and its effective contribution to advancing international peace and security.
Reaffirming his commitment to Africa, Mr. Guterres said his advocacy for greater African representation on the Security Council and in international financial institutions would remain unwavering.
In response, President Bio noted that the meeting could be their last bilateral engagement during Mr. Guterres’s tenure as UN Secretary-General. He conveyed his deepest appreciation, on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, for Mr. Guterres’s leadership and consistent support for Sierra Leone and Africa.
President Bio also acknowledged the support provided by the UN Secretariat during Sierra Leone’s 2024–2025 Security Council term, saying it enabled the country to contribute fully and responsibly to the Council’s work.
Addressing the issue of Security Council reform, President Bio commended the Secretary-General for his continued advocacy for greater African representation and a more equitable multilateral system.
He also expressed appreciation for Mr. Guterres’s support during his tenure as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
“I thank you for the strong partnership between the United Nations and ECOWAS during my chairmanship, as well as for Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s participation in our summit in Lungi,” President Bio said.
President Bio further informed the Secretary-General of Sierra Leone’s intention to give equal priority to the economic foundations of regional stability by hosting the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit in Lungi in November 2026.
“As you approach the conclusion of your tenure, Sierra Leone will remember your commitment to multilateralism, to Africa and to the most vulnerable,” President Bio stated.
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