The Plan International Youth Advisory Panel officially presented the West and Central Africa Youth Conakry Declaration to the Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, on Friday, 15th August 2025, during a ceremony held at Plan International’s office in Freetown.

The Conakry Declaration, described as a milestone for structuring youth, civil, and political participation in Africa’s development, emerged from the Regional Forum of Youth Advisory Panels (YAPs) held in Conakry, Guinea, from May 27–30, 2025. The forum brought together more than 200 young leaders from 15 West and Central African countries under the theme “The Role of Youth in the Sustainable Development Process: Participation, Challenges, and Prospects.”

Presenting the declaration, Lucia Samuella Lavally, representative of the National Youth Advisory Panel, explained that the forum created a platform for young people, youth networks, civil society organizations, and partner institutions to share experiences, enhance skills, and discuss their role in governance, sustainable development, peacebuilding, and gender equality. She emphasized that the declaration symbolizes a generation committed not just to consultation, but to meaningful influence and transformative change.

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Plan International Sierra Leone’s Country Director, Muniratu Issifu, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to working closely with young people to ensure their voices are incorporated into national and regional development agendas. She highlighted that the event coincided with Plan International’s rollout of a new five-year country strategy, the beginning of a new financial year, and preparations for the organization’s 50th anniversary in Sierra Leone in 2026.

She further revealed that an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Plan International and the Ministry of Youth Affairs is being updated to reflect current realities and strengthen collaboration in youth leadership, skills development, and livelihood support.

In his response, Minister Ibrahim Sannoh commended the young leaders for their commitment and encouraged them to embrace politics and leadership with integrity. Drawing from his personal experience of joining politics as a student in 2005, he reminded them of the importance of independent thinking and resisting manipulation.

“Mind transformation is key for our society right now,” the Minister said. “Too many of our young people are lured into drugs and substance abuse, which destroys their potential and leaves them vulnerable. You must stand as examples to your peers and ambassadors of positive change in your communities.”

He stressed that young people must see themselves as leaders and trailblazers, breaking barriers and contributing to solutions in areas such as climate change, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and governance. He further expressed his commitment to using the renewed MoU with Plan International to align development partners and ensure coherent, standardized youth programs across the country.

“You have the opportunity now make use of it,” he urged. “Whatever you do today should reflect not only your future but also the image of your home and your country. The Conakry Declaration gives us a vision, but it is your responsibility to turn that vision into action.”

The program climaxed with the official signing of the MoU and a group photo, marking a renewed partnership between government, civil society, and youth to advance the vision of the Conakry Declaration.