UN Agencies Weekly Highlights- August 11 - 15

UNDP

414 helmets & 70 bike umbrellas handed over to Bike Riders Union. 
This week in Freetown, UNDP joined the Government of Sierra Leone, UN agencies, partners, and especially young Sierra Leoneans to celebrate International Youth Day 2025 with meaningful action. In collaboration with the UN Capital Development Fund, the Ministry of Youth Affairs (MOYA), and Trocaire, and with support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, UNDP handed over 414 safety helmets and 70 bike umbrellas carrying peace messages to members of the Sierra Leone Bike Riders Union.

This initiative, “Empowering Youth Bike Riders as Sustainable Agents of Peace,” aims to promote road safety, strengthen community trust, and foster youth-led peacebuilding across Sierra Leone. Recognizing that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow but active contributors today, UNDP and partners emphasized the importance of equipping youth with the tools to drive positive change in their communities.

Fredrick Ampiah, UNDP Resident Representative, said, “I want to hand over these to the bike riders who are the ambassadors of peace,” highlighting the importance of youth-led initiatives. The Bike Riders Union expressed their gratitude, noting that the donation will enhance both their safety on the road and their role as ambassadors of peace.

WFP

€9.5 million project to restore forests & water catchments launched.
The World Food Programme, with the Ministries of Environment and Finance and funded by the EU (€9.5M), has launched the Nature Nourishes – Territorial Approach to Local Development Project. The initiative will restore forests and water catchments, promote alternative livelihoods, and train community guards to protect biodiversity.

Minister Jiwoh Abdulai revealed alarming forest losses (713 ha in Western Area Peninsula, 2,152 ha each in Outamba Kilimi & Gola Rainforest, 840 ha in Loma Mountains), driven by logging, mining, and encroachment. He warned these threaten water security and heighten disaster risks.

WFP’s Yvonne Forsen linked deforestation to rising disaster risks, stressing urgent action to prevent future landslides and floods. The project will connect environmental protection to community benefits like reforestation, eco-tourism, and sustainable farming.

Local leaders shared success stories of shifting from charcoal to cashew and rice farming, while the EU reaffirmed its €9.5M commitment to protecting Sierra Leone’s ecosystems and livelihoods. 

IOM

IOM & Government welcome 124 Returnees with Post-Arrival Assistance.
In efforts to support safe, voluntary, and dignified migration, IOM Sierra Leone, in collaboration with government partners, successfully provided post-arrival assistance to 124 returnees (76 female, 48 male), including 65 children (33 female, 32 male) arriving from Niger. 

This support included:

•⁠ ⁠Health screenings and psychosocial support

•⁠ ⁠Temporary shelter and meals

•⁠ ⁠Transportation to returning communities

•⁠ ⁠Reintegration guidance and referrals for returnees with medical and protection needs 

This initiative is possible thanks to the support from the European Union (EU). 

#LeaveNoOneBehind

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