In a major stride toward strengthening youth participation in national governance, the Youth and Children’s Advocacy Panel (YACAP), with support from UNICEF Sierra Leone and other development partners, on Monday presented a comprehensive National Youth Position Paper to the Government of Sierra Leone. The document details key recommendations aimed at ensuring greater inclusion of children, adolescents, youth and persons with disabilities in the country’s budgeting and development processes.
The position paper, which was developed following extensive nationwide consultations with 50 youth representatives, was officially submitted during a session held at the Sierra Leone House of Parliament. It was received by prominent Government officials, including the Deputy Clerk of Parliament, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Youth Affairs, the Opposition Leader and the Deputy Youth Chairman. Copies were also formally handed over to the Ministry of Finance, where they were received by the Financial Secretary and the Minister of Finance.
Focused on the formulation of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) National Budget, the document calls for the establishment of structured and institutionalized mechanisms to ensure that the voices and priorities of young people and other marginalized groups are integrated into national planning and resource allocation. According to YACAP that move is essential for creating a more equitable, responsive and inclusive development agenda.
The submission reflects increasing recognition of the role young people must play in fostering good governance and sustainable development. YACAP urged Parliament and the Ministry of Finance to meaningfully incorporate the recommendations into the ongoing FY2026 budget preparation process.
The Youth and Children’s Advocacy Panel (YACAP) is a youth-led organization committed to promoting and protecting the rights and interests of children, adolescents, youth and persons with disabilities, ensuring their voices are amplified within Sierra Leone’s national policy and development landscape.
