17/9/2024
With the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies through the Youth Climate Action Fund and Freetown City Council, the Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone and the Youth Initiative for Climate Action – Sierra Leone (YICA-SL) held a stakeholder consultation on September 17, 2024, to establish the Youth Climate Council Freetown Chapter. The event brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, the private sector, and youth-led organizations, all of whom pledged their support to advancing youth engagement in climate governance. The consultation focused on how the Youth Climate Council can serve as a central platform to empower young people in addressing Freetown’s pressing climate challenges.
The consultation represented a significant milestone in the establishment of the Youth Climate Council Freetown Chapter. With a strong foundation now in place, YCC Freetown is poised to become a driving force in amplifying youth voices and delivering tangible impacts in the fight against climate change. During the session, participants discussed key priorities for the YCC Freetown Chapter, including the types of activities it should focus on and how the Council can be structured to ensure meaningful youth participation. They also explored ways in which stakeholders can provide support and oversight to ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative. Stakeholders shared insights and ideas, collaborating to design an inclusive, action-driven YCC that will amplify the voices of Freetown’s youth in climate governance.
The consultation resulted in several key outcomes; a clear roadmap was developed for youth-led climate initiatives in Freetown, emphasizing a blend of policy advocacy, grassroots projects, and educational campaigns to raise awareness and promote local climate solutions. The YCC Freetown Chapter will collaborate closely with government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector, leveraging shared expertise, resources, and technical support. Many stakeholders expressed their commitment to providing mentorship, capacity building, funding, and long-term partnerships, which will be vital to equipping young people with the tools and resources needed to lead effective climate action.