By Abdul Kamara

Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, has championed her commitment to promoting sustainable waste management and environmental protection as she participated in a high-level meeting of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste.

The meeting, held alongside the International Forum on Climate Change and Zero Waste, brought together world leaders, policymakers, and environmental advocates to explore innovative solutions to the growing global waste and climate crisis.

In her presentation, Madam Bio outlined Sierra Leone’s progress in advancing the zero-waste agenda, highlighting key initiatives currently being implemented in the cities of Kenema and Kono. She noted that these cities are serving as national models for improving waste management systems through education, community engagement, and recycling practices aimed at reducing pollution and promoting sustainability.

The First Lady emphasized that her office, working in collaboration with local councils and traditional authorities, has been leading campaigns to change public attitudes toward waste by encouraging citizens to view cleanliness as a shared responsibility. She explained that Sierra Leone’s approach is not only about managing existing waste but also about reducing the amount generated in the first place through awareness, innovation, and responsible consumption.

Madam Bio also used the platform to appeal for stronger international partnerships to help bolster Sierra Leone’s environmental initiatives. She expressed particular interest in deepening collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation, and Climate Change in Türkiye, a country widely recognized for its success in implementing zero-waste and circular economy practices.

“We are eager to learn from Türkiye’s successes and adapt their approaches to suit our national context,” she said, adding that such cooperation could inspire similar progress in other provincial cities across Sierra Leone.

She further revealed that her office is working closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other key institutions to strengthen environmental governance through legal reforms. These reforms, she explained, are intended to introduce new policies that support zero-waste goals and create opportunities for private sector involvement in sustainable and green ventures.

Madam Bio’s active participation at the UN meeting underscores Sierra Leone’s growing influence in global environmental discussions and reflects her strong advocacy for sustainable development. Her work aligns closely with President Julius Maada Bio’s broader vision for a cleaner, greener, and more climate-resilient Sierra Leone.

Through continued leadership, collaboration, and education, Madam Bio believes Sierra Leone can move toward a future where waste is minimized, communities are empowered, and the environment is preserved for generations to come.