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The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Felipe Paullier, has called on Sierra Leone’s youth to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation as key drivers of national development during a landmark visit to Central University Sierra Leone.
Speaking at a high-level roundtable discussion titled “Youth, AI, and Digital Innovation: Building the Future of Sierra Leone,” Paullier emphasized that the digital age is already shaping global economies, urging students to take an active role in leading technological change rather than passively adapting to it.
He identified AI as a critical tool in addressing some of Sierra Leone’s most pressing socio-economic challenges, pointing to three priority areas where digital innovation could deliver immediate benefits. In agriculture, he noted that AI-powered solutions could improve smart farming practices and strengthen food security.
In entrepreneurship, he highlighted opportunities for digital startups and remote employment, particularly for young people.
He also underscored the potential of automation and data systems to enhance productivity across education and public governance.
Paullier stressed that unlocking these opportunities would require deliberate investment in digital skills and infrastructure.
He called on both academic institutions and the government to expand mentorship programmes and strengthen innovation ecosystems to support young people entering the digital economy.
The UN official further emphasized the importance of inclusivity, warning that limited access to technology and training could leave segments of the youth population behind.
He encouraged stakeholders to prioritize equitable access to digital tools and education as part of broader development efforts.
The roundtable brought together representatives from the International Trade Centre, government officials, and members of the academic community, highlighting the need for stronger collaboration between universities and the private sector.
Participants discussed strategies for building a workforce equipped with the digital competencies required in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Paullier’s visit to Central University formed part of a wider tour of Sierra Leone. Earlier, he visited the Obasanjo Skills Acquisition and Youth Transformation Centre in Freetown, where he engaged with returned migrants and vocational trainees.
The visit underscored the connection between foundational technical skills and advanced digital innovation.
With approximately 60 percent of Sierra Leone’s population under the age of 30, Paullier noted that empowering young people is central to the country’s long-term development.
His engagements signaled a broader United Nations approach focused on equipping youth to become active contributors to a modern, technology-driven economy.
