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Representatives of civil society,

Representatives of the business community,

Distinguished Paramount Chiefs,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very pleased to be here in Sierra Leone for my first visit as Secretary-General.

Thank you for coming here to meet with me. I regret that we will not have more time together, but let us make the best of what we have. I will be brief to leave maximum time for discussion. I want to hear from you.

What a wonderfully diverse group. I am impressed to see how vibrant civil society is in Sierra Leone, after the traumatic years of conflict. We all know what an important role the organizations you represent played in ending the conflict and in the peace process. You are a symbol of hope for the country.

Thank you as well for your contributions to peacebuilding. You are helping your country move towards a better future.

Civil society is critical to the democratic process and to human rights, and in ensuring that development programmes are guided by your country's priorities.

Much has been achieved since the end of the conflict. But successes should not make us complacent.

There are still many challenges ahead in consolidating the gains of the past eight years.

The third post-conflict democratic elections in 2012 will define the country's future direction. Your organizations are expected to play a vital role in this process. The United Nations will continue to support you.

Your values are our values: empowering of women advancing opportunities for young people reinforcing the rule of law and democratic processes fighting corruption protecting the environment.

The UN will also continue to advocate for the independence of civil society.

I look forward to hearing your views and concerns.

Thank you again.