By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Freetown Mayor and C40 Cities Global Co-Chair, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, has strengthened Sierra Leone’s profile on the global climate stage through a series of high-level engagements at London Climate Action Week 2026, where she advocated for stronger support for cities leading climate action across the Global South.
Throughout the week-long programme, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr participated in strategic discussions with international leaders, policymakers, development partners and climate experts, highlighting the critical role cities play in addressing climate change and building resilient communities.
One of the major highlights of her participation was a closed-door roundtable meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The discussions focused on accelerating locally led climate action and reinforcing partnerships that empower cities to implement practical and sustainable climate solutions.
The Mayor also delivered keynote addresses at the Mayoral Dialogue on Urban Resilience, where she emphasized the importance of strengthening cities’ capacity to withstand climate-related challenges while promoting sustainable urban development.
Further showcasing Sierra Leone’s leadership on climate issues, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr addressed a joint convening organized by ODI Global and the LAGO Collective, where she spoke on the growing importance of women-led green innovation and inclusive climate leadership in driving sustainable development across developing countries.
During the week, the Freetown Mayor attended an invitation-only reception at St James’s Palace, where she engaged with King Charles III. The discussions highlighted the work of C40 Cities in promoting climate action, improving air quality and supporting healthier urban environments across member cities.
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr also demonstrated her commitment to empowering young people by supporting youth climate advocacy initiatives aimed at encouraging greater youth participation in climate policy and environmental protection.
On the sidelines of the event, she held a series of strategic bilateral meetings, including discussions with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, focusing on strengthening collaboration between African cities in advancing climate resilience, sustainable urban planning and green development.
As part of her outreach during the international gathering, the Mayor also shared Freetown’s climate journey and urban resilience initiatives during an interview on the BBC’s Climate Question podcast, which is scheduled to air later this week.
In another key engagement, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr met with the Executive Director of Breathe Cities to explore opportunities for increased investment in programmes designed to improve air quality, protect public health and enhance the quality of life for residents of Freetown.
Her participation at London Climate Action Week 2026 further reinforces Freetown’s growing reputation as a leading African city driving innovative climate solutions and advocating for greater international investment in locally led environmental action. Through her engagements with global leaders and development partners, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr continued to position Sierra Leone’s capital as a strong voice in shaping global climate policy while advancing sustainable development and resilience for communities across the Global South.
The engagements also reflect the Mayor’s continued efforts to position Freetown as a leading African city in the global fight against climate change while advocating for increased investment and collaboration to address the environmental challenges facing rapidly growing urban centres.
