By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay
Over the weekend, Fatmata Suma, Head of Corporate Affairs at Skye Bank, joined the Under Thirty CEO initiative to celebrate this year’s International Youth Day at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. The event, themed “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” focused on empowering young people through digital technology to actively contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs).
As one of the panelists, Fatmata Suma explored the theme, explaining that the concept of “youth digital pathways for sustainable development” involves equipping young people with digital tools and technologies that enable them to make meaningful contributions to achieving SDGs.
In her presentation, Madam Suma outlined several key aspects of this digital pathway:
1. Access to Education: Digital platforms offer youth access to quality education and training, equipping them with skills in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation.
2. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Through digital tools, young people can engage in entrepreneurship, developing innovative solutions to sustainability challenges, including the creation of apps, platforms, or products that promote environmental sustainability.
3. Advocacy and Awareness: Social media and digital communication channels empower youth to raise awareness about sustainability issues, mobilize their peers, and advocate for policy changes at local, national, and global levels.
4. Collaboration and Networking: Digital platforms provide opportunities for youth to connect with like-minded individuals, organizations, and mentors, fostering collaboration on sustainability projects.
5. Data and Research: Youth can utilize digital tools to gather data, conduct research, and analyze trends related to environmental and social issues, contributing valuable insights to the sustainability discourse.
6. Volunteering and Community Engagement: Digital pathways can also help young people find volunteering opportunities related to sustainability, enabling them to engage actively with their communities.
Madam Suma emphasized that by leveraging the power of digital technology, young people can play a crucial role in driving sustainable development and shaping a more equitable and environmentally friendly future.
