Press Release
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs to Visit Sierra Leone
Saturday 28 March 2026
Dr. Felipe Paullier
UN Headquarters, New York – The United Nations Youth Office today announced the official mission of Dr. Felipe Paullier, Head of the United Nations Youth Office and Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Youth Affairs, to Sierra Leone from 30 March to 6 April 2026.
The purpose of the mission is to engage national actors on advancing the youth agenda in Sierra Leone. During his visit, Dr. Paullier will meet with Government leadership, including H.E. President Brig (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio, the Minister of Youth Affairs, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He will also engage with the United Nations Country Team, young people, and key national stakeholders.
Highlights of the visit include:
• A roundtable with students at Central University in Mile 91 on AI & Digital Innovation: Building the Future of Sierra Leone.
• A visit to a Kush rehabilitation centre.
• Engagement with young female mechanics and a tour of the auto mechanic lab at the Government Technical Institute.
• A meeting with the United Polio Brothers & Sisters Association at Kissy.
• Consultations with the National Youth & Private Sector Group.
Dr. Paullier’s mission underscores the United Nations’ commitment to strengthening youth participation in sustainable development, human rights, and peace and security.
About Dr. Felipe Paullier
Dr. Paullier, from Uruguay, assumed his mandate as the first-ever ASG for Youth Affairs in December 2023 at the age of 32, making him the youngest senior appointment in UN history. A medical doctor specialized in pediatrics; he holds a Medical Doctor degree from Universidad de la República Oriental de Uruguay and an MBA from Universidad Católica de Uruguay.
As Head of the UN Youth Office, Dr. Paullier leads systemwide collaboration and accountability on youth affairs, ensuring meaningful youth engagement across the UN’s work.
About the UN Youth Office
Established by UN General Assembly resolution 76/306 in 2022, the UN Youth Office is the first dedicated entity for youth affairs within the UN Secretariat. It champions the rights, perspectives, and potential of young people worldwide, advancing youth priorities in peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. The Office also fosters partnerships, innovation, and intergenerational dialogue, while working to bridge the digital divide and amplify youth voices globally.
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