By Marion (Rion) Bangura
On 2nd March 2026, Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, in her dual capacity as First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), attended the 10113th Meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The session, convened under the agenda of maintaining international peace and security, focused specifically on the challenges of Children, Technology, and Education in Conflict.
The First Lady was officially invited by the First Lady of the United States, Her Excellency Melania Trump, who currently serves as President of the Security Council during the United States’ month-long presidency. Dr. Bio expressed her appreciation for the U.S. leadership in elevating the issue of children affected by conflict to the forefront of global security discussions.
During the deliberations, Dr. Bio highlighted the urgent plight of millions of children whose education has been disrupted by armed conflicts, political instability, and climate-related crises across Africa and other conflict-affected regions. She emphasized that protecting children and ensuring their access to education is not only a humanitarian obligation but also a critical investment in peace, stability, and sustainable development.
“This meeting speaks directly to the heart of my flagship initiative at OAFLAD — Building Resilience for Women and Children in the Face of War and Climate Change,” she said. “Across Africa and beyond, children in conflict zones face unimaginable barriers to learning, safety, and opportunity. We must act decisively and collectively to ensure they do not lose their future.”
Dr. Bio stressed the transformative potential of technology in providing educational opportunities to displaced and conflict-affected children. She noted that digital platforms and e-learning solutions can bridge gaps created by school closures, remote locations, and displacement. At the same time, she cautioned that technology must be carefully harnessed to prevent risks such as online exploitation, trafficking, and abuse. “Technology must empower and protect — never endanger,” she emphasized.
The First Lady further underscored the need for a focus on gender inclusivity, especially for the girl child, who is often disproportionately affected in conflict settings. She reiterated OAFLAD’s commitment to promoting safe, inclusive, and quality education for all children, advocating for targeted interventions that combine educational access, psychosocial support, and protection from harm.
The Security Council session also provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, allowing member states and international organizations to highlight best practices in safeguarding education during crises. Dr. Bio’s participation reinforced Sierra Leone’s growing role in international advocacy for women and children, demonstrating that the country is not only aligning domestic priorities with global standards but also actively contributing to shaping solutions on the world stage.
Observers noted that the First Lady’s engagement at such a high-level forum signals a continued commitment to addressing some of the most pressing humanitarian challenges facing the world today. Her voice emphasized that children’s education in conflict zones must remain a priority, and that global partnerships, technology, and community-driven approaches are essential to ensuring that no child is left behind.
Dr. Bio’s interventions at the Security Council reflect a broader agenda of OAFLAD: empowering women, protecting children, and building resilient communities, even amidst the harshest conditions. The session concluded with renewed commitments from participating nations to strengthen collaboration, increase resources, and safeguard the rights of children affected by conflict, with Sierra Leone emerging as a leading advocate in this global effort.
