Sierra Leone takes helm of UN Security Council for November

Sierra Leone has taken over the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for November, with plans to champion a peace and security agenda centered on African concerns. The country's UN ambassador, Michael Imran Kanu, announced the priorities for its leadership term, emphasizing a commitment to transparency and consensus-building within the divided Council. This presidency offers the West African nation a platform to shape the global security dialogue.

Focus on Interlinked African Security Challenges

Ambassador Kanu outlined four key priorities that will define the Council's agenda this month: conflict-related food insecurity, climate-related security risks, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and the inclusion of young people in peace processes. These issues, he argued, are "interlinked challenges that most decisively shape today's and tomorrow's security landscape," particularly for African nations. The presidency will seek to build bridges in a "fractured Council and a multipolar world."

A Schedule of High-Level Engagements

The program for November includes two signature high-level meetings to be chaired by Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio. The centerpiece will be an open debate on conflict-related food insecurity scheduled for November 17. A second key briefing will focus on the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) on November 18, reflecting the regional focus of the presidency. These events are designed to direct international attention to pressing issues in the Sahel and beyond.

Principles of Inclusivity and Gender Perspectives

Ambassador Kanu pledged that the presidency would operate with transparency and inclusivity, consulting closely with all Council members. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone's "steadfast commitment to the women, peace, and security agenda," promising to ensure the inclusion of gender perspectives and to promote civil society participation in the Council's deliberations. This approach underscores the nation's intent to act as a "voice of reason" during a period of significant global tension.