By Jane During
The Nest Convention Center, Antalya, Türkiye – Friday, 11 April 2025
President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has renewed his call for urgent and comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), describing the current structure as outdated, unrepresentative, and “unacceptable,” particularly in its exclusion of Africa from permanent membership.
Speaking at the official opening of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, President Bio joined global leaders in a high-level panel discussion under the theme “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World.” The session also featured His Excellency Borut Pahor, former President of Slovenia, and His Excellency Philemon Yang, former Prime Minister of Cameroon and current President of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.
In his address, President Bio criticized the continued marginalization of the African continent within the UNSC, highlighting that despite being home to over a billion people, Africa still lacks a permanent seat at the Council. He emphasized that the current composition reflects outdated power dynamics that fail to accommodate today’s geopolitical realities.
“The fact that Africa has no permanent seat at the Security Council suggests that the continent was never considered at the time of its formation,” President Bio said. “This is unacceptable. The world must move from denial to decisive action.”
President Bio, who also serves as the Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government (C-10) advocating for UNSC reform, noted progress in diplomatic engagement. He revealed that all five permanent members of the Council have now acknowledged Africa’s call for fair and just representation, thanks to persistent advocacy and multilateral dialogue.
Addressing the dangers of global inaction and rising international tensions, President Bio cautioned that failing to reform the UN could further undermine peace and stability. “We do not need a third world war, especially in a world laden with nuclear weapons, if we can instead embrace diplomacy,” he urged.
President Bio also reflected on Sierra Leone’s own experience with conflict and post-war recovery, underscoring the critical role diplomacy and dialogue played in ending its brutal civil war. “Peace is possible. Diplomacy works. I believe it is the answer to any situation that threatens to escalate into violence,” he said.
He further emphasized the importance of African regional blocs in maintaining peace and economic stability across the continent and called on African nations to remain united in their pursuit of meaningful reform at the UN.
Concluding his address, President Bio warned against adopting external democratic models wholesale, noting that some recent developments in established democracies are not ideal for countries still consolidating governance. He called for a new global order rooted in mutual respect, equity, inclusion, and cooperation.
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, continues to serve as a strategic platform for global leaders to engage on pressing international issues and foster stronger diplomatic partnerships.
