By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Youth-led organizations, civil society groups, and community representatives converged in Freetown for a Climate Justice Walk held in solidarity with global climate movements taking place alongside COP30 in Belém, Brazil. The event followed the National Dialogue on Climate Impact and Community Realities and was organized by the Youth Alliance for Sustainable Development in partnership with the Network Movement for Youth and Children’s Welfare. The initiative was supported by ActionAid Sierra Leone.
The march brought together a wide coalition of actors united by a shared message: the need for urgent, fair, and inclusive climate action for Sierra Leone and the world. Participants emphasized that climate change continues to worsen the vulnerabilities of local communities, demanding immediate interventions from leaders at all levels.
Speaking at the gathering, the Executive Director of ActionAid Sierra Leone, Foday Bassie Swaray, stressed the importance of genuine global commitment to addressing the climate crisis. He called on decision makers to move beyond pledges and take concrete steps to protect vulnerable communities.
“We want to see real commitment and real action,” he said. “Finance is one of the major components. We want to see a just transition. We want to see women and girls at the forefront of this movement. We join forces today to call for climate justice.”
His remarks echoed the sentiments of many participants who highlighted that climate justice must prioritize those most affected by the crisis, particularly young people, women, and marginalized groups.
A representative of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change also addressed the gathering, reminding attendees that climate change is not only an environmental threat but a major development challenge for Sierra Leone. He noted that rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns continue to disrupt agriculture, increase disasters, and affect livelihoods across the country.
“Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it affects our development as a nation,” he said. “It affects agriculture and our communities at large. In recognition of this, we remain committed to advancing policies to tackle it. We prioritize climate smart actions because climate action requires the active participation of all. Let us continue to amplify one message: climate justice for change and a prosperous Sierra Leone.”
One of the highlights of the event was the reading and presentation of the People’s Declaration on Climate Justice to the Ministry of Environment. The declaration called for fast, transparent, and accessible climate finance to support adaptation and resilience, with a strong focus on youth, women, and community networks leading climate solutions. It also demanded that local voices be central in determining how climate funds are allocated and implemented.
Organizers explained that the walk was not only a show of solidarity with global climate movements but also a reminder of the urgent realities already affecting Sierra Leone. From annual flooding to food insecurity and environmental degradation, many communities remain on the frontline of the crisis.
“Our communities are already facing the brunt of the climate crisis,” said Mohamed Bah, Executive Director of the Youth Alliance for Sustainable Development. “This walk is a call to our leaders to turn words into real, just, and inclusive action.”
The event concluded with strong commitments from youth groups, civil society representatives, and government officials to continue pushing for climate justice, gender equality, and sustainable development, ensuring that Sierra Leone’s voice remains part of the global climate movement.
