By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
MOYA, Sierra Palms, Freetown, 21 August 2025 — The Ministry of Youth Affairs, in partnership with various development organizations, has convened the inaugural meeting of the National Steering Committee and the National Technical Working Group focused on Youth, Peace, and Security in Sierra Leone. This landmark event was co-funded by the European Union and received support from ECOWAS, UNDP, and other international entities.
The meeting gathered government officials, international development partners, civil society representatives, and youth leaders to establish a collaborative roadmap for enhancing youth involvement in peace and security initiatives throughout the country. Notable attendees included the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, and the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, among other senior officials.
In his address, Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh underscored the vital role that young people play in fostering a stable and inclusive Sierra Leone. He stated, “This inaugural meeting marks a turning point in our national commitment to youth, peace, and security. Young people are not just beneficiaries of peace; they are drivers of peace. The Government of Sierra Leone, under the leadership of His Excellency the President, is dedicated to ensuring that our youths are actively involved in decision-making processes that shape their future. Through this Steering Committee and Technical Working Group, we are establishing the institutional frameworks necessary to empower young people as key players in national stability, reconciliation, and development.”
Minister Sannoh further emphasized that the Ministry of Youth Affairs will persist in promoting policies and programs designed to empower youth, reduce unemployment, and prevent their involvement in violence or insecurity.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator also reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in advancing the global Youth, Peace, and Security agenda.
The inaugural meeting served as a pivotal platform to align national priorities with regional and international frameworks concerning youth, peace, and security, while also fostering greater collaboration among stakeholders.
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