By Mackie M. Jalloh
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the dynamic Mayor of Freetown, recently participated in the C40 Cities Southeast Asia Regional Academy, where she explored innovative climate action strategies from fellow global leaders. The event, hosted by Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, Philippines, emphasized sustainable urban development and highlighted impactful initiatives from cities across the region.
Gathering representatives from Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Quezon City, and climate action advisors from around Southeast Asia, the academy became a melting pot of ideas for climate-resilient strategies. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr, attending alongside her team, was particularly keen on learning from these initiatives to further enhance Freetown’s climate action plan.
One of the key areas of interest for Aki-Sawyerr was Quezon City’s urban farming initiative, which has seen the successful implementation of 1,300 urban farms across the city. These farms, set up in unexpected places such as police station grounds and reclaimed dumpsites, have played a crucial role in increasing food security and promoting environmental sustainability.
Inspired by this approach, Aki-Sawyerr noted how similar projects could transform Freetown’s landscape, especially in combating deforestation and supporting local communities through sustainable agriculture. The event’s emphasis on knowledge-sharing reinforced the importance of collaborative action and peer learning in addressing the global climate crisis.
In reflecting on the event, Aki-Sawyerr emphasized that these gatherings are essential for cities like Freetown, as they provide real-world examples of what is possible through inclusive and sustainable urban development practices.
