Sierra Leone’s youth development agenda was given prominent international attention in Daegu City, South Korea, this week, as the Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, led a high-level delegation to advance skills development, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.

The delegation also comprised Mrs Aisha Sema Sillah, Minister Plenipotentiary and Head of Chancery at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Seoul, and Mr Joseph Maada Lahai, Commissioner of the National Youth Commission. Their presence reinforced Sierra Leone’s resolve to forge strategic partnerships that can directly benefit its young population.

In a meeting with the Deputy Mayor of Daegu, Minister Sannoh outlined priority areas for collaboration. He drew attention to the city’s more than fifty universities and extensive network of technical and vocational colleges, which he suggested could serve as models for district-level systems tailored to Sierra Leonean community needs. He also highlighted the importance of investing in water purification technologies to mitigate the effects of mining-related pollution in rural areas.

Discussions further explored opportunities in modern agriculture, particularly in rice cultivation, cash crops, poultry, fisheries, and aquaculture, as well as exchange programmes aimed at promoting mindset transformation among young Sierra Leoneans.

The Deputy Mayor welcomed these proposals, confirming the creation of a joint task force to guide Sierra Leone in accessing Official Development Assistance (ODA) from the South Korean Government. He also pledged support for cultural and educational exchanges between Daegu and Sierra Leone, designed to provide young people with new skills and international exposure.

The visit concluded with the inauguration of the Sierra Leone Cultural Centre for Youth Development at the Dalson Cultural Training Centre in Daegu. The centre will serve as a platform to showcase Sierra Leonean culture, from traditional fabrics and designs to music and folklore, while enabling young artists, designers, and performers to participate in international festivals and markets. It will additionally provide opportunities for language training and the acquisition of new skills across both Sierra Leonean and Korean traditions.

This engagement forms part of a wider effort to align Sierra Leone’s youth development strategies with global opportunities, in line with President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to youth empowerment and job creation. By connecting Sierra Leonean talent with international platforms, the Ministry of Youth Affairs seeks to equip young people with the skills, exposure, and confidence required to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.