Leonardo Santos Simão, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, has arrived in Sierra Leone to co-chair the Regional Annual Open Day focused on the implementation of UNSCR 1325 (2000) on Gender, Women, Youth, Peace, and Security.

The event will take place as part of a broader initiative to address key issues surrounding gender equality and youth engagement in peace and security efforts in the region.

Scheduled from October 15 to 18, 2024, the Open Day will see Simão collaborating with H.E. Timothy Kabba, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Their discussions will revolve around assessing the progress made in implementing Resolution 1325 and its subsequent iterations within West Africa and the Sahel.

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In addition to the Open Day, Simão will participate in a significant Joint High-Level ECOWAS-UNOWAS-AU-Commonwealth Follow-Up Mission, which aims to evaluate the Agreement of National Unity signed on October 18, 2023, between the Sierra Leone government and opposition parties.

This mission reflects a concerted effort by international and regional stakeholders to foster political stability and reconciliation in the country.

During his visit, Simão is expected to engage with President Julius Maada Bio, representatives from the national unity agreement, the leadership of the Mano River Union, the UN Country Team, the diplomatic community, and other key actors in Sierra Leone’s political landscape.

These meetings are crucial for reinforcing partnerships and fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders on peacebuilding initiatives.

The Regional Open Day, which was first launched in 2010, provides a vital platform for women and youth leaders from the subregion to engage directly with senior UN officials.

This year’s event will facilitate conversations about the challenges faced by these groups and explore collaborative strategies to effectively advance the Women, Youth, Peace, and Security agenda.

Simão emphasized the importance of grassroots participation, stating, “Engaging with women and youth is essential for building resilient communities and ensuring lasting peace in the region. Their voices must be integral to the decision-making processes that affect their lives and futures.”

The Open Day represents a key opportunity for local leaders to share their experiences, concerns, and priorities with UN officials, fostering a more inclusive approach to conflict resolution and security initiatives.

As Sierra Leone continues to navigate its political landscape, the outcomes of these discussions could play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s path toward sustainable development and peace.

This visit and the accompanying events underscore the UN’s ongoing commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in its pursuit of gender equality and youth empowerment within the context of peace and security.