By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
Freetown’s Mayor and C40 Co-Chair, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, inaugurated the C40 World Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 3, 2025, by emphasizing the necessity of inclusive climate action, equity, and enhanced leadership among cities in tackling the global climate crisis.
In her address during the C40 Steering Committee Meeting, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr celebrated 20 years of cooperation among C40 cities and unveiled Freetown’s Yearly Offer of Action for 2026, which includes initiatives aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations from extreme heat.
While engaging with global mayors and funding bodies, she highlighted the critical need for equitable climate financing for cities in the Global South. She pointed to C40’s support for transformative projects, such as Freetown’s innovative Cable Car Project. “Cities are at the forefront of climate change, confronting challenges like flooding and rising temperatures that threaten public health and livelihoods,” she stated. “Yet, cities also possess the potential for scalable solutions.”
At the Climate Finance Dialogue, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr called on development banks to transition from traditional project-by-project lending to comprehensive, city-wide investments backed by robust data and enhanced local capacities.
Additionally, she participated in an Urban Water Resilience session, focusing on strategies for “Adapting Cities to a Changing Climate.” Earlier, she announced the launch of the C40 Cool Cities Accelerator, a global initiative designed to empower mayors with practical resources to combat extreme heat and bolster urban resilience. This initiative aligns with global climate frameworks, including CHAMP and the COP30 Presidency’s key priority, Beat the Heat.
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