Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, joined youth delegates at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Dream Model United Nations (MUN) Conference.

Addressing the gathering of aspiring African diplomats, the Mayor emphasized that sustainable leadership must be grounded in preparation, perseverance, and a “non-negotiable” commitment to integrity.

She noted that the conference brought together forward-thinking young people actively engaged in diplomacy, leadership, and global problem-solving, describing their energy and dedication to Africa’s future as inspiring.

In her remarks, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr stressed that success is built on preparation and hard work. She underscored the importance of integrity, calling for zero tolerance for corruption, cheating, and dishonesty, and highlighted perseverance as essential, noting that resilience often separates ambition from achievement.

In conclusion, the Mayor reaffirmed Freetown’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young people to participate meaningfully in governance and international discourse. She said platforms such as Dream MUN are vital to nurturing the next generation of African leaders and building a more inclusive and sustainable future.