State House, Freetown, Thursday 18 July 2024 – His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio addressed the Development Partnership Committee (DEPAC) meeting, reiterating his commitment to global peace and security and making democracy purposeful in the region. He also reminded attendees of Sierra Leone’s forthcoming presidency at the United Nations Security Council from August 2024 to 2025.
Since its inception, the DEPAC meeting has served as a principal dialogue platform between the government and development partners for collaboration on national interest issues. President Bio welcomed and thanked government officials and development partners for attending the meeting. He emphasized that the session’s focus was to have a frank discussion on relevant issues and map out a way forward.
The President reiterated his belief that dialogue is a strength rather than a weakness. He noted that DEPAC meetings had deepened multilateral and bilateral engagements, which he hoped would continue. He assured full implementation of the tripartite report, aiming to deepen electoral processes in Sierra Leone.
President Bio highlighted Sierra Leone’s historic return to holding the presidency of the UN Security Council after 53 years. He reminded participants that over 20 years ago, Sierra Leone was on the Security Council agenda for peace; now, it will champion sessions discussing peace and stability in other nations. He applauded Sierra Leone’s commitment to peace, stability, human capital development, and gender empowerment.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Madam Seraphine Wakana, thanked President Bio for convening the meeting. She confirmed it signified his commitment to wider consultation on peace and stability at both national and international levels. Wakana stressed that peace and security are foundational for development and committed support to policies strengthening national institutions.
British High Commissioner Lisa Chesney MBE, also Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Sierra Leone, praised President Bio for his commitment to participatory governance through convening DEPAC meetings. She commended his stance on global peace and stability, noting that attaining the Presidency of the Security Council would demonstrate Sierra Leone’s significance globally. Chesney urged continued efforts towards peace and emerging issues while prioritizing development, peace, and stability.
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