Youth Initiative Climate Action - SL (YICA-SL)

As we wrap up an incredible year, We are excited to share the 2024 Annual Report of the Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone. This report showcases the outstanding contributions of each member in driving meaningful climate action. Among our many achievements, we partnered to host Sierra Leone’s first-ever Local Conference of Youth (LCOY), launched the Freetown Chapter to enhance localized engagement, and trained over 50 youth leaders in climate advocacy and sustainable practices. Our involvement in shaping key policies, such as the Energy Transition Masterplan and the National Plastics and Plastic Waste Management Policy, underscores the power of youth voices. Together, we also secured global representation at COP29, thanks to the dedication and passion of our team. These milestones would not have been possible without your hard work, creativity, and unwavering commitment. I am deeply grateful for all you have done to advance our shared mission. I encourage you to take pride in our accomplishments and read the full report here https://lnkd.in/dQ356jDz. Let’s build on this momentum as we continue our journey toward a sustainable future.

Thank you Mayor Ali-Sawyerr for always supporting the work of young people, especially in Climate Action.

On Friday, December 13, 2024, the Youth Initiative for Climate Action (YICA-SL) proudly launched the Youth Climate Council Freetown Chapter at the Freetown City Council Hall. This milestone marks the first local chapter of the Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone (YCC), a national initiative aimed at empowering and mobilizing young people to take a central role in climate action and policy advocacy. The launch event, themed “Youth Voices, Policy Choices: Strengthening Local Action for Freetown,” brought together youth leaders, policymakers, and climate advocates to emphasize the importance of youth involvement in local climate initiatives. The establishment of the Freetown Chapter is a critical step in ensuring youth voices are central to the development and implementation of climate policies at the local level, with plans to expand to other provinces in Sierra Leone. In her keynote address, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor of Freetown and Co-Chair of C40 Cities, highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change, stating that it is not a distant threat but a reality that is already impacting lives. She specifically pointed to the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Sierra Leone, with changing weather patterns and extreme rainfall affecting crop yields. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized that collective action is required to combat the climate crisis and urged all sectors to work together to reduce its impacts and build resilience. As the National Coordinator of the Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone, Foday Mark Kamara shared the journey that led to the establishment of the Freetown Chapter. Reflecting on the initial outreach to the Mayor over a year ago, he spoke about how the vision for the Freetown council evolved into a national movement. With the support of strategic partners such as the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) and the Youth Climate Council Global Alliance, the national council was created, with the Freetown Chapter serving as the first local hub for youth-led climate action. The launch of the Freetown Chapter marks the beginning of a broader vision to strengthen grassroots involvement in climate action. YCC Sierra Leone aims to continue expanding its local chapters across the country, ensuring that young people everywhere have the opportunity to contribute to policy development and climate change mitigation. YICA remains committed to empowering the youth of Sierra Leone to lead the way in building a greener, more resilient future for all. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the partners, stakeholders, and supporters who have made this initiative possible, and we look forward to the continued success of the Youth Climate Council and its expansion nationwide. Together, we will ensure that youth are at the forefront of climate action, driving positive change for a sustainable Sierra Leone. Thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies #YouthClimateCouncil #ClimateActionNow #ClimateJustice #YouthForClimate #SierraLeone

Young people are taking bold steps to advance adaptive solutions for a sustainable and resilient society. This Saturday we will be hosting a Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day Lighthouse Event. The event is hosted in collaboration with the Global Center on Adaptation and Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO). Young people will engage in dialogue and share how they are impacting their communities. Join us at 9am on Saturday.

Join us at our #COP29 Side Event: “Bridging Intergenerational Gap for Climate Action in the Mano River Union (MRU) Region: Best Practices, Prospects, and Challenges.” 🗓 Date: November 18, 2024 🕒 Time: 14:15 (GMT +4) 📍 Venue: Ivory Coast Pavilion, COP29 Blue Zone, Baku, Azerbaijan This session will gather policymakers, youth leaders, and climate advocates from across the MRU region to explore effective collaboration between generations for sustainable climate action. Co-organized by a dynamic coalition including Youth Initiative Climate Action - SL (YICA-SL) Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone, Liberian Youth for Climate Actions, Réseau des Journalistes Ivoiriens contre la Crise Climatique et Environnementale (Ivory Coast), Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency, Forum for Agriculture, Innovation and Empowerment for Children and Youths, Star Catch-Up Salone, The Center for Community Impact and Sustainibility and more. Don’t miss this vital conversation on building climate resilience together! #ClimateAction #COP29 #Baku

Join us at our #COP29 Side Event: “Bridging Intergenerational Gap for Climate Action in the Mano River Union (MRU) Region: Best Practices, Prospects, and Challenges.” 🗓 Date: November 18, 2024 🕒 Time: 14:15 (GMT +4) 📍 Venue: Ivory Coast Pavilion, COP29 Blue Zone, Baku, Azerbaijan This session will gather policymakers, youth leaders, and climate advocates from across the MRU region to explore effective collaboration between generations for sustainable climate action. Co-organized by a dynamic coalition including Youth Initiative Climate Action - SL (YICA-SL) Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone, Liberian Youth for Climate Actions, Réseau des Journalistes Ivoiriens contre la Crise Climatique et Environnementale (Ivory Coast), Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency, Forum for Agriculture, Innovation and Empowerment for Children and Youths, Star Catch-Up Salone, The Center for Community Impact and Sustainibility and more. Don’t miss this vital conversation on building climate resilience together! #ClimateAction #COP29 #Baku

Yesterday, something incredible happened in Freetown. Over 60 young leaders, activists, and changemakers came together for the Sierra Leone Youth Climate Adaptation Dialogue, as part of the global Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day organized by Youth Initiative 4 Climate Action in partnership with the Global Center on Adaptation, Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), and Plan International Sierra Leone. But Freetown was just one piece of the puzzle—similar events were happening in over 300 locations across 70 countries, all united by one mission: to drive youth-led solutions for climate adaptation. This was more than just another climate event. It was a powerful gathering of young minds determined to drive change and shape the future of our nation. Throughout the day, we witnessed passionate discussions on the urgent need for climate adaptation. With inspiring voices like Henry David Bayoh, CEnv, MIEMA, CDPM®, SAFe®, a Chartered Environmentalist and leading expert on climate policy, setting the tone, we dove deep into how Sierra Leone can build resilience against the impacts of climate change. But the real magic happened when our youth took the stage. In the panel discussions, young climate champions like Allieu Christopher Moiwa, Abubakarr Barrie, Esther Yealie Camara, and Phg Samuels shared their experiences and projects—stories of innovative solutions that are already changing lives. From community-led bio-sand filtration to mangrove restoration efforts, these youth-led projects are addressing critical challenges head-on. We explored how partnerships with governments, NGOs, and international platforms can help scale these initiatives to protect even more communities. One of the most powerful moments came during the breakout sessions, where participants brainstormed practical solutions to Sierra Leone’s climate challenges. From climate-resilient infrastructure to inclusive adaptation strategies that prioritize marginalized communities, the energy in the room was undeniable. The key takeaway? Youth have the power and creativity to lead Sierra Leone’s climate adaptation movement, and they’re ready to take action. This is just the beginning. The ideas and solutions generated from this event will feed into national discussions, shaping future policy and on-the-ground projects. Sierra Leone’s youth are not just participants in the climate conversation; they are leaders, ready to build a more resilient and sustainable future for all of us. And as part of a global effort—with youth from over 300 locations in more than 70 countries—we’re proving that youth can lead the way in tackling the world’s greatest climate challenges. Together, we’re driving change. Together, we’re adapting for the future. #Youth4AdaptationActionDay #YouthClimateAdaptationActionDay #YouthClimateAction #ClimateAction

Happening now! Presentation on the Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day in Freetown, Sierra Leone by Foday Kamara (BA, ILO SIYB, PMI PMP). #YouthClimateAdaptationActionDay Global Center on Adaptation Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO)

Keynote Presentation at the Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day in Freetown Sierra Leone organized by Youth Initiative Climate Action - SL (YICA-SL) #Youth4AdaptationActionDay #YouthClimateAdaptationActionDay Global Center on Adaptation Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) Henry David Bayoh, CEnv, MIEMA, CDPM®, SAFe® Environment Protection Agency (EPA-SL)

Happening now! Presentation on the Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day in Freetown, Sierra Leone by Foday Kamara (BA, ILO SIYB, PMI PMP). #YouthClimateAdaptationActionDay Global Center on Adaptation Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO)