Freetown, 12 August 2022 (TDI): On International Youth Day, UN Sierra Leone set up a Youth Advisory Panel. Consisting of diverse young voices, the panel discussed the efforts of the Government. Its main aim is to support the Medium Term National Development Plan of the government by the SDGs.
As we mark Int’l Youth Day today, UN-Sierra Leone is setting up a Youth Advisory Panel of diverse young voices to advise us in our efforts to support the Government’s Medium Term National Development Plan, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. pic.twitter.com/Z2cGAdYGl7
— Babatunde Ahonsi (@AhonsiBA) August 12, 2022
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Babatunde Ahonsi, called for the youth to be the main focus of these efforts. Additionally, the Resident Coordinator said that the youth should be in the front for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Moreover, Ahonsi also stated that uniting efforts to support the aspirations of young people can help in achieving a lot.
On #YouthDay2022, I called for the youth to be placed at the front and centre of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Much will be achieved if we unite efforts to support their aspirations and, of course, with the implicit involvement of us, the older folks. pic.twitter.com/f1GTI8uJOu
— Babatunde Ahonsi (@AhonsiBA) August 12, 2022
Also read: International Youth Day
Medium-term National Development Plan
The Government of Sierra Leone also launched the Medium-term National Development Plan 2019-2023. The purpose of this plan is to develop a strong political commitment to deliver development results.
Additionally, this would indirectly improve the welfare of the citizens of Sierra Leone. The National Development Plan drafts a clear path towards 2023 while planning to achieve the goal of middle-income status by 2039.
Moreover, the National Plan also serves as a pathway for a more inclusive growth that is sustainable and accessible to all.
Youth Advisory Panel
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), co-funded by Irish aid, supported the establishment of the youth advisory panel.
To empower young people, the panel consisted of 16 dynamic young people from across the country. The initial panel created in 2019 laid focus on empowering girls. It encouraged them to participate in educational activities.
