In a significant step to unify efforts and enhance youth engagement in environmental issues, the Chief Director of Environment and Climate Change, Edward Bendu, officially launched the Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone (YCCSL) on Thursday, July 25, 2024. The event, themed “Bridging the Intergenerational Gap for Equitable Climate Action & Policy Formulation in Sierra Leone,” brought together key stakeholders at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Hall on Tower Hill in Freetown.
Among the attendees were the Senior Youth Engagement Manager at C40 Cities, Sallieu Kanu, a representative of the GIZ Country Director, representatives from UNICEF Sierra Leone, the National Disaster Management Agency, and other notable figures.
In his keynote address, Edward Bendu emphasized the importance of the initiative in promoting the inclusion of youth in national development. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts to combat climate change amidst the alarming increase in global temperatures.
“Our nation’s forest reserves are one of our most valuable resources,” Bendu stated. He urged all Sierra Leoneans to maintain these reserves, highlighting their importance not only for development but also as potential tourist attractions.
Bendu outlined the Ministry’s expectations from YCCSL, urging the organization to engage in advocacy and build resilience around the health sector, particularly in enhancing the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) system to improve food and nutrition security in vulnerable communities. This aligns with the Government’s major initiatives such as Food Self-Sufficiency, Feed Salone, Youth Employment, Infrastructure and Technology, and Job Creation.
“The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and its agencies are steadfast in their commitment to addressing the pressing climate challenges facing our nation,” Bendu said. He emphasized the role of youth-focused and youth-led organizations in bringing energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives to policy-making processes.
He highlighted the establishment of youth advisory committees and the participation of youths in international conferences like Africa Climate Week in Kenya and COP 28 in Dubai as examples of the Ministry’s dedication to integrating young voices into climate action.
Peter Rogers, representing the Head of the Climate Change Department at the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency, praised the launch of YCCSL as a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable future. He acknowledged the challenges in engaging youth in policy processes, particularly the disparity in resources and access to information, and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening outreach efforts to support youth organizations.
Rogers stated, “We believe that by fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment, we can empower our youth to become pivotal agents of change.” He concluded by expressing gratitude to the young leaders dedicating their time and energy to the cause.
Esther Yellie Kamara, a Council member of YCCSL, described the organization as a consortium of youth climate organizations that also integrates other groups focusing on thematic areas such as awareness raising, education, and women’s empowerment. She revealed that the organization currently has eight member organizations, with plans to expand further following the launch.
Kamara stressed that climate change is a major concern in Sierra Leone and outlined YCCSL’s commitment to effective education and capacity building to address issues like frequent flooding.
The launch event marked a pivotal moment in empowering the youth of Sierra Leone and ensuring their meaningful participation in climate action. Participants engaged in interactive sessions to share their experiences, insights, and innovative ideas for fostering greater youth participation in climate-related initiatives.