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  Emphasizing that the development of Sierra Leone’s first National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security (NAP-YPS) is more than a policy exercise, UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana today called on the young people of Sierra Leone to take the lead in shaping the process.She made this call at the Sierra Palms Hotel in Freetown, where she co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the National Steering Committee and  the National Technical Working Group for the development of the NAP-YPS, alongside the Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh.The Resident Coordinator described the moment as a significant milestone in the collective journey to recognize, empower, and institutionalize the role of young people in building and sustaining peace.As Co-Chair of the National Steering Committee, she expressed pride in standing with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and other stakeholders to support a process that is inclusive, evidence-based, and aligned with global and regional frameworks—including UNSCR 2250, the AU Continental Framework, and the ECOWAS Youth Policy.In his remarks, Minister Sannoh noted that while youth participation in governance, peace, and security is increasing, gaps remain in formal representation and leadership. He emphasized that the NAP-YPS will serve as a guiding document to foster partnerships and mobilize resources for accelerating the implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.The Minister also envisioned the NAP-YPS as a tool to institutionalize youth engagement, ensuring their voices are heard and empowering them as leaders and agents of change.The National Steering Committee and Technical Working Groups were officially inaugurated following the signing of commitment statements. This was preceded by presentations on the draft Terms of Reference and a contextual overview of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda in Sierra Leone.Statements of support were delivered by the Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development and the Deputy Executive Minister of the  Independent  Commission for Peace and National Cohesion.Also present for the signing were: the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, and the Deputy Internal Affairs Minister.