As Sierra Leone marks its 64th Independence anniversary, Isaac Bayoh, the Lead Youth, Peace, and Security Expert for the United Nations Security Council in Sierra Leone (2024–2025), delivered a stirring message of hope, resilience, and action to young Sierra Leoneans around the world.
Reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings to the international stage, Bayoh shared a heartfelt reminder that no dream is too big, and no background too small, to make an impact. “I came from no titles, no guarantees — only a conviction: that the dreams of a boy from Sierra Leone could echo in the halls of the world,” Bayoh said in a post that has since gone viral on LinkedIn.
Bayoh recently represented Sierra Leone at the ECOSOC Youth Forum, delivering the nation’s vision for youth development, innovation, and peace. He also spoke at a side event organized by The Center for Community Impact & Sustainability, themed “Empowering Africa’s Workforce Through AI: Bridging the Digital Divide for Youth, Peace, and Development,” emphasizing the need for African youth to harness technology for transformative change.
“This generation will not inherit fear,” Bayoh declared. “We are not waiting for permission. We are delivering anyway.” His remarks called on young Sierra Leoneans to embrace leadership, innovation, and courage in a rapidly evolving digital economy shaped by artificial intelligence and technology.
Against the backdrop of Independence celebrations, Bayoh’s message resonated deeply: “The world will try to tell you to wait. It will try to convince you that your voice is too soft, your dreams too big, your country too broken. But you are the builder. You are the pioneer.”
From Bo to Kenema, Makeni to Freetown, Bayoh urged Sierra Leone’s youth not to be limited by circumstances but to rise to the challenges of the future with boldness and pride. “Our dreams are not deferred. Our future is not denied,” he said.
In his closing note, Bayoh encouraged Sierra Leoneans to tag a young person who needs to hear this message, reminding them that the future is not something to wait for — it is something to build.
As the nation reflects on its journey toward freedom and progress, Bayoh’s powerful words offer a rallying call: the future of Sierra Leone rests in the hands of its dreamers, doers, and digital pioneers.