President Bio Meets UN Secretary-General Guterres in New York
Sia Lucy Kannah Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters in New York, where they discussed Sierra Leone’s role in global peace and security, Africa’s representation in international institutions and the country’s partnership with the United Nations.
Guterres expressed pleasure at meeting President Bio, describing him as a symbol of unity in Sierra Leone and across West Africa. 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 contribute to international peace and security.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed his commitment to greater African representation on the UN Security Council and in international financial institutions.
President Bio noted that the meeting could be their final bilateral engagement during Guterres’ tenure and expressed appreciation, on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, for his leadership and consistent support for Sierra Leone and Africa.
Bio also acknowledged the UN Secretariat’s support during Sierra Leone’s Security Council term, saying it enabled the country to participate fully and responsibly in the Council’s work. He commended Guterres’ advocacy for greater African representation and a more equitable multilateral system.
The President further thanked Guterres for the strong UN-ECOWAS partnership during his chairmanship and acknowledged Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s participation in Sierra Leone’s summit in Lungi.
Looking ahead, Bio informed Guterres of Sierra Leone’s plan to host the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit in Lungi in November 2026, highlighting the country’s intention to give equal priority to the economic foundations of regional stability.
As Guterres approaches the end of his tenure, President Bio said Sierra Leone would remember his commitment to multilateralism, Africa and vulnerable populations.
The meeting took place on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.