Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr delivered the keynote address at the Green and Resilient Urban Shift Africa Forum 2025, held at the United Nations Office in Nairobi. The forum brought together city and national leaders from across Africa to discuss the role of urban planning in addressing rapid urbanization and climate challenges.

In her address, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the importance of collective leadership and action in shaping sustainable urban development. Encouraging participants to take bold steps, she shared an inspiring quote from American musician Jay-Z: “The question isn’t who is going to let me, it’s who is going to stop me!”

Reflecting on her time in Nairobi, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality of Nairobi Governor H.E. Sakaja Johnson, whom she described as a dear friend and brother.

She returned to Freetown today after engaging in high-level discussions on building resilient and climate-conscious cities across the continent.

The Green and Resilient Urban Shift Africa Forum continues to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among leaders working toward a more sustainable urban future.