On Tuesday, April 28, 2024, Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, made a significant stride in its fight against climate change by launching the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund. The event was held at the FCC Administrative Building’s 13th floor and marked a pivotal moment for youth involvement in climate action within the city.
Mr. Yella, who served as the moderator for the launch event, delivered an opening and welcome speech highlighting the critical climate challenges facing Freetown. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues and the role of the youth in driving meaningful change.
Furthermore, the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund is designed to empower young individuals, aged 15 to 24, to take proactive steps in combating climate change. This global initiative provides technical assistance and funding to 100 mayors across 38 countries, encouraging youth to develop and implement climate solutions suited to their local contexts. Each participating city, including Freetown, receives an initial grant of $50,000 to support youth-led climate projects, with an additional $100,000 for cities that effectively utilize the initial grant within six months.
More so, the fund aims to engage tens of thousands of young people worldwide, promoting activities such as tree planting, public education, recycling programs, and emission reduction initiatives. By mobilizing youth, the program seeks to achieve significant community goals, including meeting decarbonization targets and enhancing environmental sustainability.
Freetown’s Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, expressed her excitement about the city’s involvement in the initiative. She said: “I am thrilled that Freetown will join Bloomberg Philanthropies in their Youth Climate Action Fund, participating with mayors from around the world in harnessing the creativity, skills, and viewpoints of young people to lead the next generation of climate action in our community.”
In conclusion the launch of the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund in Freetown underscores the city’s dedication to sustainability and resilience. By engaging its youth in climate action, Freetown is taking a crucial step toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. This initiative not only provides hope but also sets a precedent for community-driven environmental stewardship.
