GYCSierraLeone

Global Youth Counterpart in collaboration with partners launched the First Youth Adaptation and SDG Leadership Conference in Sierrra Leone

The Youth Adaptation & SDGs Leadership Conference 2026 was a transformative two-day event held on March 10-11, 2026, at the Methodist Multipurpose Hall, CCSL Compound in Freetown. Strategically aligned with the global commemoration of International Women's Week, the conference brought together 100 participants including young leaders, policymakers, development practitioners, civil society representatives, and private sector actors from all 16 districts of Sierra Leone.

The event addressed three critical imperatives: the urgent need for climate adaptation, advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the empowerment of young women as agents of transformative change.

Key Outcomes

The conference achieved the following immediate outcomes:
•100 young leaders equipped with practical skills in climate adaptation planning, project development, and advocacy strategies
•Freetown Declaration on Youth-Led Climate Adaptation adopted and disseminated
•10 youth-led adaptation projects identified for incubation support
•National Youth Climate Adaptation Network established with governance structure

The outcomes of this conference, particularly the Freetown Declaration and the National Youth Climate Adaptation Network will continue to drive youth climate action well beyond this event, ensuring that young Sierra Leoneans remain at the forefront of sustainable development efforts.

THANK YOU AND APPRECIATION MESSAGE

On behalf of the Global Youth Counterpart for Sustainable Development (GYC) Sierra Leone and our esteemed partners, the organizers of the Youth Adaptation and SDGs Leadership Conference 2026, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this remarkable two-day conference held on March 10–11 at the Methodist Multipurpose Hall, CCSL Compound, Freetown.

We sincerely appreciate all facilitators, speakers, panelists, moderators, partners, sponsors, delegates, and participants who dedicated their time, expertise, and energy to make the conference impactful and inspiring under the theme:

“Accelerate Action: Young Women Leading Climate Action for Sustainable Development.”

Throughout the two days, participants engaged in:

Opening remarks and institutional statements from key stakeholders

Insightful presentations on climate risks, adaptation strategies, and opportunities in Sierra Leone

A dynamic panel discussion on the Gender–Climate Nexus

Breakout group sessions on sectoral adaptation priorities

Interactive networking sessions, performances, and knowledge exchange

These sessions strengthened collaboration and highlighted the critical role of young women and youth leadership in climate action and sustainable development.

We extend special appreciation to our government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and youth leaders who shared knowledge and practical solutions that will contribute to strengthening climate resilience in Sierra Leone.

To our delegates and participants, thank you for your active engagement, thoughtful discussions, and commitment to driving climate action in your communities.

Your participation has made this conference a meaningful platform for dialogue, partnership, and youth-led solutions toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

We look forward to continued collaboration as we translate the knowledge and commitments from this conference into real action for climate resilience and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.

Thank you all for being part of this important journey.

With appreciation,
Global Youth Counterpart for Sustainable Development (GYC) Sierra Leone
Organizers – Youth Adaptation and SDGs Leadership Conference