By Fatmata Binta Sow
Freetown, 8th October, 2026 –Sierra Leonean youth have been challenged to take a leading role in advancing inclusive climate action as stakeholders, government officials and development partners gathered in Freetown to discuss solutions to the growing climate crisis.
The call came during the 2026 Local Conference of Youth (LCOY 26) Sierra Leone, organized by the Youth Climate Council under the theme, “Inclusive Climate Action: Leaving No One Behind.” The two-day conference, held at the Freetown City Council Hall on October 7 and 8, focused on strengthening youth participation in climate initiatives, promoting practical responses to climate change and ensuring vulnerable groups are not excluded from climate decision-making.
Delivering the keynote address, Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr warned that the effects of climate change are already evident across Sierra Leone, citing rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns and increasing environmental pressure on communities.
She noted that both urban and rural areas are experiencing the impact of climate-related challenges and stressed that young people must be at the forefront of efforts to address them.
“The effects of climate change are becoming more visible every day, and young people have a critical role to play in shaping the solutions,” she said.
The Mayor highlighted the growing threat posed by extreme heat, particularly to vulnerable groups, as well as the impact of changing weather patterns on farmers and communities dependent on natural resources. She urged young people to move beyond discussions and actively champion initiatives that protect both people and the environment.
“There are solutions, and you as young people can and must be the champions of those solutions,” Aki-Sawyerr emphasized.
Speaking on the importance of inclusivity, Elaine Gondoe, Country Director of SightSavers, said persons with disabilities must be recognized as active participants and leaders in climate action rather than merely recipients of support.
She observed that climate change disproportionately affects people with disabilities, particularly during emergencies and disasters, where barriers to access and participation are often heightened.
Gondoe further noted that young persons with disabilities frequently face multiple forms of exclusion in education, employment and civic engagement, arguing that their experiences and perspectives are vital in building resilient and equitable climate solutions.
Representing the private sector, Bashir Koroma of Euro Metals highlighted the role businesses can play in supporting climate resilience and community development through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
“As a company, in as much as we are mining, it’s important to give back to the people of Sierra Leone,” Koroma said.
He explained that the company’s interventions span agriculture, education, infrastructure development, support for vulnerable children and investments in human capital development.
Also addressing the conference, French representative Yosseh Theo stressed that climate action efforts must place inclusivity at their core, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups.
“Inclusivity must be placed at the heart of any climate and environmental action,” Theo said.
He reaffirmed France’s support for Sierra Leone’s climate agenda and youth participation in international climate programmes.
The conference ended with a renewed call for youth-led, practical and inclusive climate action, with participants emphasizing that those most affected by climate change should be actively involved in shaping the solutions designed to address it.
