By Kadiatu A. Turay

In a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations, UNDP, ActionAid, and several other partners, marked International Youth Day 2025 under the theme Youth Empowerment through Agriculture, Climate Change, Skills, Technology, and Innovation.

The celebration, held at the Youyi Building grounds in Freetown, brought together young leaders, policymakers, educators, development partners, and community members to reflect on the potential of Sierra Leone’s youth and their crucial role in shaping the country’s future.

The event served as a platform to discuss innovative solutions for youth empowerment, emphasizing the need for collaborative action to address the social and economic challenges facing young people today.

In his keynote address, Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh underscored the irreplaceable role of young people in national development.

The future of Sierra Leone lies in the hands of our youth. If we empower them with the right skills, technology, and opportunities, they can transform this nation, Sannoh declared, but we must also confront the obstacles drug abuse, unemployment, and exclusion from decision-making that prevent them from achieving their full potential.

He stressed that while opportunities in agriculture, climate adaptation, and the digital economy are growing, young people must be supported with training, access to finance, and platforms for innovation.

During the celebration, ActionAid Sierra Leone officially launched the Youth Action for Good Governance and Self-Reliance project an initiative aimed at empowering marginalized youth to engage in governance, enhance their livelihoods, and build long-term self-reliance.

Country Director of ActionAid, Mrs. Fatu Jalloh, described the project as a timely intervention.

We are investing in young people not just as beneficiaries but as active partners in governance and economic growth. When youth have a voice in decision-making and the means to support themselves, the entire nation benefits, she said.

The project will target rural districts where youth unemployment is particularly high, combining civic education with vocational and entrepreneurial training.

The celebration featured inspiring testimonies from young people themselves.

Mariatu Kamara, a 23-year-old agri-preneur from Bo District, shared how she turned a small piece of land into a thriving vegetable farm.

Agriculture is not old-fashioned, she said, with the right technology and skills, young farmers can produce more, earn more, and feed more people, we just need support to access markets and equipment.

Climate activist Alusine Conteh from Port Loko stressed the urgency of environmental action, climate change is not a distant threat it is here. Floods, droughts, and unpredictable rains are already affecting our communities, we must act now, and youth must be leaders in that fight, Conteh stated, local leaders also called for discipline and focus among the youth.

Paramount Chief Bai Shebora III of Tonkolili District urged rural youth to take advantage of government and NGO programs.

Our young people are full of energy and ideas. But they must also be disciplined, avoid drugs, and focus on building their future, he advised.

UNDP representative Ms. Linda Mensah reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to youth-led development:

This year’s theme aligns with the UN’s global goals. We want to see youth leading in climate innovation, driving agricultural transformation, and building tech-based solutions for their communities.

One of the strongest messages from the celebration was the urgent need to tackle drug abuse among youth. Minister Sannoh described it as a major barrier to progress.

We cannot speak of empowerment without addressing the threat of drugs, too many of our young people are losing their potential to this scourge, we need community-led solutions, counseling, and strong law enforcement, he said.

Community youth leader Abdul Karim Sesay echoed this concern:

Peer influence and lack of opportunities drive many young people toward drug abuse. We need mentorship programs and skill-building activities that keep them engaged in positive work.

The celebration ended with a joint pledge from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and development partners to scale up empowerment initiatives, including expanding agricultural training centers, creating climate innovation hubs, and increasing access to affordable internet and digital tools for young entrepreneurs.

Minister Sannoh urged that the momentum must continue:

International Youth Day is a reminder, but our commitment must be daily. Every day should be youth day in Sierra Leone, he concluded to loud applause.

The 2025 International Youth Day celebration was more than symbolic it was a rallying point for action, dialogue, and partnership. For many attendees, it reaffirmed hope in Sierra Leone’s future, anchored in the creativity, energy, and resilience of its young people.

As Mariatu, the young farmer, summed it up, we are ready to work. Give us the tools, the training, and the trust, and we will build a better Sierra Leone.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,15th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)