In a significant step to unify efforts and enhance youth engagement in environmental issues in the country, Youth Initiative for Climate Action, on Thursday, July 25, 2024 officially launched the Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone (YCCSL).
The launch was held on the theme: "Bridging Intergeneration Gap for Equitable Climate Action & Policy Formulation in Sierra Leone" and brought together key stakeholders, including the Chief Director of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Edward Bendu, the Senior Youth Engagement Manager at C40 Cities, Sallieu Kanu, representatives from UNICEF Sierra Leone, National Disaster Management Agency, among others, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Hall on Tower Hill in Freetown.
Delivering his keynote address, the Chief Director of Environment and Climate Change, Edward Bendu, noted the significance of such a milestone that is geared to promoting the inclusion of youth in national development, stressing the need for collaborative efforts in the fight against climate change amidst the alarming increase in temperature across the globe.
He entreated members of the organisation to embark on advocacy and also build resilience around the health sector where they would be part of the WASH system to enhance food and nutrition security of vulnerable communities that resonates with the Government's big five game changers.
According to Edward Bendu, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and its agencies are steadfast in their commitment to addressing the pressing climate challenges that the nation faces. He emphasised that the fight against climate change is not just a battle for the present generation but a quest for the survival and prosperity of future generations.
"We recognise that youth-focused and youth-led organisations bring invaluable energy, creativity and perspectives to the table. To this end, the Ministry has been actively working to integrate these voices into our policy-making processes. We have established youth advisory committees, which serve as platforms for young people to share their insights and contribute to the development of our national climate," Director Bendu revealed.
One of the Council members of the Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone, Esther Yellie Kamara, stated that YCCSL is a consortium of youth climate organisations that aims to create a platform for everyone from different backgrounds to have their voices heard whenever issues of climate related matters are being discussed.
The launch event marked a pivotal moment to empower the youth of Sierra Leone and ensure 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.
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