By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
Sight Savers Sierra Leone, with support from Irish Aid, convened a one-day briefing on June 14, 2024, focusing on climate change and involving stakeholders and persons with disabilities. The event took place at Sierra Palms Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown.
In his keynote address, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Patrick M. Gibrilla affirmed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with partners to empower youth and persons with disabilities aged 18 to 35. He stressed the role of youth in combating climate change through community action, waste reduction initiatives, and tree planting.
“We must take proactive steps in our communities to raise awareness and support green initiatives,” he emphasized.
Highlighting their involvement, Mr. Gibrilla noted the National Youth Commission’s (NYC) and National Youth Service’s (NYS) roles in nationwide project implementation and providing work experience for university graduates.
“We aim to address diverse youth challenges across different districts and will present our inaugural youth report at the upcoming General Assembly in New York,” he announced.
Tuangay Gondoe, Country Lead of Sight Savers Sierra Leone, underscored their commitment to disability-inclusive services and environmental sustainability. She outlined plans to solarize facilities and manage medical waste in Karene, Pujehun, and Kailahun districts, prioritizing climate resilience initiatives.
Aminata B. Kelly, Human Resource Manager of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), emphasized their partnership on the CPP project. She expressed gratitude for enhancing climate change awareness among persons with disabilities and fostering their participation in policy discussions.
“We encourage stakeholders to collaborate for the CPP project’s success,” she urged.
Francis A. Reffell, a Consultant with Sight Savers Sierra Leone, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting Sierra Leone’s socio-economic challenges exacerbated by climate change. He referenced global agreements such as the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals as frameworks for international cooperation on climate action.
The event concluded with a call for collective action to address climate change impacts, underscoring the importance of inclusive and sustainable development.
