In his closing remarks at the United Nations’ Fourth Financing for Development confab recently held in Seville, Spain, Liberia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of France, Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr., told attendees and conference organizers that the future yearned by African youth is already here.
Organized by the Economic and Trade Cooperation of African Youth on theTheme: “Youth-Driven Capital: Unlocking Innovative Financing for Africa’s Green and Digital Future”, Dr. Yorlay told conferees that the essence of their gathering was to build real solutions, commit, and to energize what he referred to as a movement that sees Africa’s youth not as recipients of charity, but as leaders, creators, and problem-solvers.
“As we prepare to leave Seville, let’s carry more than inspiration with us. Let’s carry action plans, partnerships, and clear goals,” said Dr. Yorlay, who was quick to emphasize that most importantly, those in attendance at the 2025 UN Fourth Financing for Development conference must commit to and operationalize action plans and leverage partnerships aimed at achieving their goals.
“Let’s imagine and then make real, a future where a young person in Uganda with a climate solution, or in Nigeria with a fintech idea, or in Liberia with a sustainable farm, can get what they need to succeed,” the Liberian envoy emphasized, adding; “This isn’t just about unlocking capital. It’s about unlocking hope, fairness, and transformation.”
He continued, “Let’s dare to fund the future because the future is already here. And it’s young. It’s African. It’s green. It’s digital. And it’s waiting for us to believe in it.”
He expressed the hope that the Seville gathering would lead to bold actions and real change, and not be a one that will remain mere talks.
“If you have never known before, please know this: you are the ones you have been waiting for to make African young people occupy and maintain an enviable place within the family of young people globally.” He noted.
He cautioned that it be taken very seriously that the foundation wished for by African youth to have been laid for them to inherit must be laid by them to bequeath to the future African generation, saying; “Now is the time to lay it!”
