By Hassan Osman Kargbo
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Sierra Leone joined United Nations agencies and development partners to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and 64 years of Sierra Leone’s membership at a special press conference held in Freetown.
The event celebrated decades of global cooperation and reaffirmed commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. UBA Sierra Leone was specially recognized as a strategic partner supporting the UN’s development agenda through a range of impactful community initiatives promoting education, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.
Among its notable contributions, UBA was praised for its flagship National Essay Competition, which has empowered hundreds of students across Sierra Leone by promoting academic excellence and literacy. The initiative is part of the bank’s broader commitment to advancing quality education, one of the key pillars of the SDGs.
UBA’s Read Africa Project was also highlighted as a vital literacy intervention that has inspired reading culture among young learners. Through this program, the bank has distributed learning materials and provided mentorship support to schools across the country, helping to build a generation of readers and critical thinkers.
In addition to its educational efforts, UBA Sierra Leone has demonstrated strong environmental stewardship through the One Million Trees Group-wide Initiative. Under this campaign, the bank in Sierra Leone has successfully launched the planting of more than 3,000 trees in Malempeh Village, in partnership with the Auradicals Foundation. The project aims to combat deforestation, restore biodiversity, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Speaking at the event, UBA Sierra Leone Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to driving sustainable development through strategic investments in people and communities.
“UBA’s mission goes beyond banking,” Samoura said. “We are committed to supporting education, empowering youth, promoting digital innovation, and protecting the environment. Our work aligns closely with the United Nations’ vision for inclusive growth and sustainability.”
He also recalled the bank’s swift response during the COVID-19 pandemic, when UBA provided a $150,000 donation to support national recovery efforts. Samoura noted that such initiatives reflect the institution’s values of compassion, partnership, and social responsibility.
Representatives of UN agencies at the event commended UBA for being an exemplary private-sector partner in achieving the SDGs. They emphasized that collaboration between public institutions, development partners, and corporate organizations is essential for creating lasting impact.
As part of the commemoration, the UN and its partners renewed their pledge to deepen cooperation with Sierra Leone in addressing key priorities, including climate resilience, quality education, gender equality, and innovation-driven growth.
The event also celebrated the UN’s 80 years of global impact, highlighting its enduring role in promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development. Sierra Leone’s 64 years of membership were recognized as a testament to the country’s continued engagement and leadership in the multilateral system.
The celebration concluded with a joint call for stronger partnerships to advance the SDGs and secure a better future for all.
