The National Youth Forum Executive of Amnesty International Sierra Leone (AISL), with support from the National Secretariat, joined the world in commemorating International Youth Day (IYD) on August 12, 2025, in Freetown. The event brought together 30 youth representatives and stakeholders from across the country to reflect on the significance of the Day and the role of young people in promoting human rights and sustainable development.
The programme was chaired by Mr. Alphonsus B. M. Gbanie, while the Section Director of AISL, Mr. Solomon Moses Sogbandi, delivered an overview highlighting the relevance of IYD to Amnesty International Sierra Leone’s mission and youth engagement work.
Several keynote speakers enriched the discussions. Mr. Rachard T. M’bayo, Director of Education, Communication, and Training at the National Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, spoke on “How Youth in Sierra Leone Can Be Active Agents of Change in the Drive for a Sustainable Environment: A Perspective from the Human Rights Lens.”
Mr. Johanes Davis, former National Youth Coordinator of AISL, addressed “The Challenges and Opportunities Faced by Youth in Mobilizing Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships Including Government, CSOs, and the Private Sector to Scale Up SDG Efforts Locally.”
Miss Christiana Mary Fabai, Gender and Disability Desk Officer at AISL, emphasized “The Importance of Ensuring Young Women and Girls’ Voices in Shaping an Equitable and Sustainable Future.”
In his remarks, the Chief Commissioner of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Brima Abdulai Sheriff, presented on “Integrating Youth Disability Issues into the National Development Agenda: Aligning Its Focus with the SDGs.”
The interactive session featured a lively question-and-answer segment, where participants shared perspectives and developed key takeaways and action points to guide future youth advocacy and engagement. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Reginald R. Domingo, National Youth Coordinator of AISL.
The celebration reaffirmed Amnesty International Sierra Leone’s commitment to empowering young people as catalysts for human rights, equality, and sustainable development across Sierra Leone.