Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh, met with representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) to discuss a peacebuilding initiative targeting young motorbike riders in Sierra Leone.

The project, titled “Empowering Youth Bike Riders as Sustainable Agents for Peace in Sierra Leone,” aims to turn members of the Bike Riders Union into ambassadors for peace and national cohesion.

During the meeting, Minister Sannoh emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “Our young bike riders are not just transporters. They are community influencers. By empowering them economically and socially, we are investing in peace from the grassroots up.”

Key topics included proposed amendments to enhance the project’s impact, notably the procurement of new motorbikes for union members. This proposal seeks to promote economic empowerment and foster a sense of ownership among youth.

UNDP and UNCDF representatives reaffirmed their commitment to supporting youth-led peacebuilding efforts and pledged to collaborate with the Ministry to ensure the project’s sustainability and scalability.

The Bike Riders Union is a crucial part of Sierra Leone’s youth demographic, often navigating economic challenges while mobilizing communities. The initiative aims to harness their influence to promote stability and development across the nation.