New York, July 31, 2024 – The presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is held by each of its members, permanent and non-permanent, in rotation for one month. This month of August 2024, Sierra Leone will preside.
The presidency of the Security Council plays an important role that involves directing the work of the Council and coordinating discussions on issues of international peace and security, as well as representing the UNSC in relations with other Organs of the UN and with Member States. Under Sierra Leone’s presidency, the Security Council’s Program of Work will include mandated meetings and renewal of mandates (peacekeeping and political missions), convening of consultations on critical peace and security issues, submission of reports and the development of documents including the presentation of any statements to the press on behalf of the Council.
In reaffirming Sierra Leone’s firm commitment to partnership, multilateralism and representation, H.E. Brig. Rtd. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, will preside over an unprecedented debate in the Council on August 12, 2024. The signature event will address the question of “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Addressing the historical injustice and enhancing Africa’s effective representation in the UN Security Council”. On this occasion, President Bio, who is also the Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council (C-10), will underline the imperative for UN Security Council reform and the urgent need to rectify the historical injustice being perpetuated against Africa. In addition to Council members, specific member States have been invited to participate under rule 37 of the Provisional Rules of Procedure of the UNSC. Invitees include C-10 Heads of State and Government or representatives. The debate will also focus on unlocking the full potential of Africa as a dynamic and vibrant continent capable of contributing meaningfully to the advancement of peace, security, and prosperity worldwide.
In addition to giving priority to addressing the structural imbalance in the UNSC, Sierra Leone, through an Open Debate looking at the role of institutions at the international, regional and national levels, will highlight the country’s peace journey, the utility of prevention as part of the myriad of tools in maintaining international peace and security, reflect on the New Agenda of Peace, the UN Secretary-General’s prevention strategy and the role of women in conflict prevention and resolution. This second signature event, on the 21st of August, will be presided over by H.E. Timothy Musa Kabba, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
A Peace Exhibition will be held in New York at the wrap-up of the Presidency. The Expo is to be curated to allow for a celebration of the culture of peace in Sierra Leone, as well as Sierra Leone food, culture, fashion, fine and performing arts.
A model in nurturing the dividend of peace, and continually working to ensure internal security, strengthening democratic governance, and social cohesion, Sierra Leone returned to the UNSC in January 2024, 53 years after its previous and first tenure.
[This note, as well as other documents to be issued by the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations in New York during the month of August 2024, is available in the two working languages of the United Nations, English and French.]
For further information, please contact:
Ms. Onike C. Spencer-Coker
Spokesperson
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Nations +1-347-445-2051
[email protected]
