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Freetown Mayor and C40 Cities Global Co-Chair Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE has reinforced the role of cities in addressing climate change during her participation in the 2026 London Climate Action Week, where she engaged global leaders, climate experts, development partners, and youth advocates on advancing local climate solutions.
During the week-long engagement, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr took part in a closed-door roundtable discussion with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, focusing on accelerating climate action at the local level and strengthening the contribution of cities in achieving global climate targets.
The Mayor also delivered a keynote address at the Mayoral Dialogue on urban resilience, where she highlighted the importance of city-led initiatives in building sustainable and climate-resilient communities. She further gave keynote remarks at a convening organized by ODI Global and the LAGO Collective, emphasizing the significance of women-led innovation in advancing green and inclusive development.
As part of her engagements, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr attended an invitation-only reception at St James’s Palace, where she met with King Charles III and discussed the ongoing work of C40 Cities in promoting climate action, improving air quality, and supporting sustainable urban development.
The Freetown Mayor also continued her support for youth climate advocacy initiatives and held a series of strategic bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening partnerships and collaboration on climate action. Among these engagements was a meeting with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to discuss issues relating to urban development and climate resilience in African cities.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr further participated in the BBC Climate Question podcast, where she shared insights on the role of cities in addressing climate challenges. The programme is expected to be broadcast later this week.
The Mayor also met with the Executive Director of Breathe Cities to explore opportunities for increased investment in initiatives designed to improve air quality, public health, and the overall quality of life for residents of Freetown.
Her participation in London Climate Action Week reflects Freetown’s growing visibility in global climate discussions and highlighted the city’s continued commitment to advancing sustainable urban development and environmental resilience.
