Star Catch-Up Salone Engages in NDC 3.0 Girls & Young Women Consultation Organized by YICA

^{Deborah S.O.S Johnson – Program Director Star Catch-Up Salone}

Star Catch-Up Salone Participates in NDC 3.0 Consultation for Girls and Young Women Organized by Youth Initiative for Climate Action

On April 9th and 10th, 2025, Star Catch-Up Salone had the privilege of participating in the Girls and Young Women Consultation on Sierra Leone’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), hosted by the Youth Initiative for Climate Change Action (YICA). This important national dialogue aimed to ensure that the voices of girls and young women are centered in the formulation of Sierra Leone’s climate commitments, as required under Article 4 of the Paris Agreement. These updated commitments are expected to be submitted at COP30 in Brazil.

As one of the countries most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, Sierra Leone must integrate inclusive and gender-responsive approaches in its climate strategies. The consultation provided a powerful platform for young female voices to shape these efforts—highlighting unique challenges, proposing context-driven solutions, and advocating for stronger gender mainstreaming

Representing Star Catch-Up Salone, our Program Director, Deborah S.O.S Johnson, actively contributed to the sessions. She emphasized the urgency of prioritizing gender-responsive climate action, fostering inclusive policy environments, and scaling up investment in youth-led climate innovation and education. Her participation reflected our organization’s ongoing commitment to empowering girls and young women to become leaders in climate resilience and sustainable development.

We applaud YICA for its leadership in facilitating inclusive participation and for ensuring youth perspectives inform national policy. Star Catch-Up Salone remains committed to championing the involvement of girls and young women in climate adaptation, mitigation, and advocacy efforts across Sierra Leone.