Sierra Leone’s Minister of Youth Affairs has called on global leaders to take practical steps to support young people during a side event at the 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum.
The event brought together governments, youth leaders, and development partners to discuss how to increase youth involvement in sustainable development.
The Minister said young people are not just beneficiaries but key drivers of development. He stressed that when youth are empowered and included, progress toward global goals can happen faster.
However, he noted that many young people still face challenges such as limited access to education, digital tools, and opportunities to participate in decision-making.
To address this, he outlined three priorities: promoting inclusion, strengthening skills development, and building strong partnerships. He emphasized the need to support young women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups.
The Minister also called for more structured programs that help young people build leadership skills and long-term careers, rather than short-term volunteer efforts.
He urged governments, organizations, and the private sector to work together, provide funding, and ensure accountability for youth programs.
A new initiative was announced to mobilize young volunteers in key sectors such as education, health, climate action, and peacebuilding.
The Minister concluded by encouraging young people to stay engaged and hold leaders accountable, stressing that their voices and actions are essential for achieving sustainable development goals.
