𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐢𝐨’𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐀𝐭 𝟏𝟎𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐌 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

Addressing his colleagues in a Ministerial Round Table discussion at Marlborough House, the head office of the Commonwealth, Mr Bangura described President Bio’s approach to youth empowerment as “radical, revolutionary, and reformative.” He passionately discussed the transformative potential of education and highlighted the remarkable progress made by President Bio’s government in empowering Sierra Leone’s youth through deliberate and bold policy initiatives.

Minister Bangura emphasised the solid achievements of President Bio’s government in bolstering the youth, particularly women.

He noted the unprecedented number of young people and women in the current cabinet and highlighted the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, which mandates a minimum 30% reservation of all elected or appointed positions for women in both public and private sectors.

“Precisely because of President Bio’s unwavering confidence in the capabilities of young people, Sierra Leone will continue to register impressive scores in many key areas of national development,” Mr. Bangura said.

He pointed out that the President’s ascent to the highest office in the country, during a particularly challenging time, and at a very young age, may have also contributed to the strong faith he has in the youths.

The 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (10CYMM) convened representatives from 46 countries and six UK overseas territories, focusing on the theme “Aiming Higher, Delivering More for Young People.” The event explores opportunities for youth development, acknowledging their crucial role in the overall human development.

In her opening remarks, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, emphasised the need to empower and support youths as they harness their positive energy, aspirations, and potential to transform not only the Commonwealth but also the entire world.

HE Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and the Meeting Chair, echoed this theme, underscoring the Commonwealth’s commitment to investing in and promoting young people’s development.

He recognised that the future success of the Commonwealth relies on the organisation’s continued dedication as well as the contributions of young people to uphold collective values and principles.

As the deliberations unfold in the coming days, and decades, it is important to note that the Commonwealth family, which currently constitutes a combined population of 2.5 billion people, has 60 percent of that number under 29 years. Crafting a well defined policy pathway that could support and empower this expanding demographic to discover, hone and unleash its potentials, in the course of developing itself and transforming society, is at the very heart of the ongoing deliberations in the Marlborough House head office of the Commonwealth.