As West Africa navigates complex security challenges, democratic transitions, and evolving regional dynamics, the role of ECOWAS remains central to peacebuilding, stability, and economic integration. H.E. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Immediate Past Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, will deliver a keynote speech on the future of regional cooperation and collective security in Africa.

Drawing on his leadership at both national and regional levels, President Bio will reflect on ECOWAS' response to political and security crises, its engagement with Sahel states, and its efforts to strengthen peace, democratic governance, and development across the region. The lecture will be followed by a conversation with Geneva Graduate Institute faculty members and students and will conclude with questions from the audience.

H.E. Julius Maada Bio is the 5th President of Sierra Leone, re-elected in 2023. He has prioritised education, food security, and key governance reforms, including repealing seditious libel laws and promoting gender equality. In 2025, he became Chairperson of ECOWAS, focusing on democracy, security, and integration. He also led Sierra Leone to the UN Security Council (2024–2025) and presided over its August 2024 session. Internationally recognised, he is the African Union’s lead on UN reform and a recipient of several leadership awards.

Programme

• Welcome:

  • Marie-Laure Salles, Director, Geneva Graduate Institute
     

• Keynote lecture:

  • His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Immediate Past Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
     

• Conversation:

  • His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Immediate Past Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) 
  • Stephanie Hofmann, Professor, International Relations/Political Science Department, Geneva Graduate Institute
  • Delidji Eric Degila, Professor of practice of International Relations, Interdisciplinary programmes, Geneva Graduate Institute
     

• Discussion with students
   

• Q&A with the public

Director’s Global Leadership Series
This event is part of the Director’s Global Leadership Series, which features leading global decision-makers, from heads of international organisations to senior government and business leaders, sharing insights on today’s most pressing international challenges

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