The United Nations Youth Office has announced the official mission of its Head and Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Youth Affairs, Dr. Felipe Paullier, to Sierra Leone from 30 March to 6 April 2026.
The visit is aimed at strengthening collaboration with national stakeholders and advancing the youth development agenda in the country. During his week-long mission, Dr. Paullier is expected to engage with high-level government officials, including His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, alongside the Ministers of Youth Affairs, Justice, and Foreign Affairs.
The ASG will also meet with members of the United Nations Country Team, youth leaders, civil society actors, and private sector representatives to explore innovative strategies for youth empowerment, employment, and participation in governance.
A series of key engagements have been outlined as part of the visit. Among them is a high-level roundtable discussion with students at Central University, focusing on artificial intelligence and digital innovation under the theme “Building the Future of Sierra Leone.” The dialogue is expected to highlight the role of technology in shaping opportunities for young people.
Dr. Paullier will also visit a rehabilitation centre addressing the growing challenge of kush substance abuse, as well as engage with young female mechanics during a tour of the Government Technical Institute’s auto mechanic laboratory. These engagements are designed to showcase grassroots innovation and resilience among Sierra Leonean youth.
Furthermore, the ASG is scheduled to meet with the United Polio Brothers and Sisters Association in Kissy, demonstrating the UN’s commitment to inclusive development and support for persons living with disabilities. Consultations with the National Youth and Private Sector Group will also form part of discussions aimed at fostering partnerships for sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Paullier’s visit comes at a time when youth engagement is increasingly recognized as central to achieving sustainable development, peace, and security. His mission underscores the United Nations’ commitment to amplifying youth voices and ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making processes.
Appointed in December 2023, Dr. Paullier, a national of Uruguay, is the first-ever Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and the youngest senior official in UN history at the age of 32. A trained pediatrician, he holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Universidad de la República Oriental del Uruguay and an MBA from the Universidad Católica del Uruguay.
The United Nations Youth Office, established by General Assembly Resolution 76/306 in 2022, serves as the UN’s central platform for youth affairs. It works to promote the rights, aspirations, and potential of young people globally while advancing priorities in sustainable development, human rights, and peacebuilding.
As Sierra Leone continues to invest in its youthful population, Dr. Paullier’s visit is expected to further catalyze dialogue, partnerships, and practical solutions to challenges facing young people across the country.
