By: Aminata Sesay
Young people took center stage in Sierra Leone’s national development discourse as the 2025 Salone Civic Festival officially opened in Freetown, with the Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus Williams, urging youth to lead the country’s civic and data-driven future.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Youyi Building, Rev. Dr. Williams described the three-day festival, running from December 11 to 13, as a dynamic platform that amplifies youth voices through debates, innovation challenges, exhibitions, and cultural performances.
He noted that the festival offers young Sierra Leoneans direct access to key national development initiatives launched earlier this month, including the 2026 Population and Housing Census, the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) Dashboard, and the Power of Data Initiative. According to him, these tools are critical for promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive growth.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that empowering young people with knowledge and data is essential for shaping policies that reflect the realities of communities across the country. He encouraged youth to move beyond passive participation and take ownership of national development processes by actively engaging with evidence, innovation, and civic spaces.
Rev. Dr. Williams commended the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for creating a festival environment that connects young citizens with government institutions and development partners, while also celebrating creativity, culture, and innovation.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the 2025 Salone Civic Festival would inspire a new generation of informed, active, and confident civic leaders committed to building a prosperous, inclusive, and data-driven Sierra Leone.