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Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, H.E. Ms. Kenyeh Barlay, delivered a compelling keynote address at the “Summit of the Future Action Day 1” event, urging global leaders to prioritize youth empowerment through technology and innovation.
The event, titled “Reimagining the Future: Cultivating Global Opportunities for Youth through Innovation and Impact,” was held in collaboration with the Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations and Forbes.
Speaking to an audience of dignitaries, experts, and youth advocates, Minister Barlay highlighted the importance of international cooperation amid rapid technological advancements. She stressed the need to harness emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and digital connectivity, to address both challenges and opportunities faced by developing nations like Sierra Leone.
“The youth are the engines of our future,” Ms. Barlay stated, underscoring Sierra Leone’s commitment to the Global Digital Compact, a framework promoting an equitable and inclusive digital future. She outlined the country’s progress in equipping its youth with digital skills through its Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030), designed to prepare the next generation for a competitive global economy.
The Minister called for stronger international collaboration to ensure the benefits of technology are shared widely. “The benefits of technology and innovation can only be fully realized through robust international cooperation,” she remarked, urging nations to share resources and expertise to build inclusive digital ecosystems.
Ms. Barlay concluded with a call for unity, emphasizing the critical role of women in shaping the future. “By working across borders, sectors, and generations, we can harness the transformative power of technology to create a future that is equitable, inclusive, and filled with opportunity for all.”
The event was part of the broader United Nations agenda to explore solutions for global challenges, with youth and innovation at its core.
