Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has engaged in a productive discussion with Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the new Commonwealth Secretary-General, during which he called on the Commonwealth of Nations to back Africa’s stance on reforming the United Nations Security Council.
President Bio extended his congratulations to Madam Botchwey on her appointment and pledged Sierra Leone’s support throughout her term as Secretary-General.
“We view the Commonwealth as a diverse organization, and your leadership is especially significant for Africa, given your deep understanding of the region,” President Bio remarked.
As he continues to rally multilateral organizations to endorse Africa’s position on UN Security Council reform, the President updated Madam Botchwey on ongoing initiatives aimed at advancing this cause.
“The push for UN Security Council reform by Africa centers on fairness and justice—principles that resonate deeply with the values of the Commonwealth,” President Bio emphasized.
In response, Madam Botchwey expressed gratitude for President Bio’s strong backing and praised his impactful efforts in education and women’s empowerment within Sierra Leone. Acknowledging the challenges of the current global climate, she highlighted the opportunity for the Commonwealth to unite in tackling pressing global issues.
She also revealed that the Commonwealth is developing a strategic plan for the upcoming five years, with a focus on resilience, trade and investment, and youth engagement among other priorities.
Addressing President Bio’s appeal for support of Africa’s UN Security Council reform position, Madam Botchwey noted that one of the mandates of the Commonwealth is to advocate for structures of multilateral organizations to be representative.
Madam Botchwey is the first African woman—and only the second African—to lead the association of 56 nations that together represent one-third of the world’s population and make up more than a quarter of the United Nations’ membership.
For More News And Analysis About Sierra-Leone Follow Africa-Press
