By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Sierra Leone officially launched United Nations Peacebuilding Week on 22 June 2026, alongside the 20th anniversary of UN peacebuilding support in the country. The launch began with a “Young Women Shaping Peace Forum” in Freetown, held under the theme: “Young Women’s Voices and Innovation for the Future of Peace in Sierra Leone.”
The forum brought together key stakeholders, including the Government of Sierra Leone, represented by the Minister of Planning and Economic Development and the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs. The United Nations Resident Coordinator led the UN delegation, supported by agencies including WFP, IOM, UN Women, and UNFPA.
Other partners in attendance included the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, the Office of the Sierra Leone Peace Ambassador, Christian Aid, the Girls Advocacy Development Network, and the Young Women in Governance Network. Also present were community leaders, women leaders, young women from various districts, the Charge d’Affaires of France, a representative from Ireland, and other development partners.
The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, delivered the keynote address. She emphasized the critical role of women in recovery, reconciliation, and national cohesion. She also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the protection of women’s rights, promoting gender equality, increasing women’s participation in leadership, and improving access to justice. She called for sustained investment in peacebuilding, noting that lasting peace is essential for the development of women and children.
Discussions focused on the leadership role of young women in peacebuilding. Participants noted that young women in Sierra Leone bring valuable perspectives and social networks that are essential for addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting community-driven solutions.
The event also featured interactive activities designed to enhance youth participation, including thematic storytelling, idea-generation sessions using 3D mapping, digital platforms for real-time contributions, and photography exercises to express personal commitments to peace.
Sierra Leone’s Peace Ambassador, Abu Bakarr S. Turay, popularly known as Shady Baby, joined artists Atical Foyoh, i-Tribe, and Alieu Melody in performances promoting peace and national unity. Turay also participated in a dialogue focused on strengthening the role of young women in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
A high-level reflection session reviewed Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding journey from post-conflict recovery to present-day resilience building. Speakers included United Nations Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana and the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, alongside contributions from UN agency heads and representatives from border communities and districts across the country.
UN Resident Coordinator Wakana called for stronger institutions, improved community trust, efforts to address misinformation and disinformation, expanded economic empowerment for youth and women, and the scaling up of proven peacebuilding approaches.
Activities marking Peacebuilding Week will continue until 26 June 2026, with community-based events scheduled in Kenema, Tonkolili, Port Loko, Pujehun, Kono, Kailahun, and other districts across the country.