..At UN Financing for Development Event in Spain
By Amos Harris
SEVILLE, Spain – His Excellency Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr., a distinguished Liberian diplomat and youth advocate, delivered a fervent call for youth-driven financing and innovation across Africa during his keynote address at the Fourth United Nations Financing for Development (FFD4) Side Event in Seville, Spain.
Serving as Honorary Guest Speaker, Ambassador Yorlay addressed a high-level gathering of global youth leaders, policymakers, and development partners under the theme: “Youth-Driven Capital: Unlocking Innovative Financing for Africa’s Green and Digital Future.” The event highlighted the immense potential of Africa’s young population in spearheading sustainable development, green innovation, and digital transformation across the continent.
In his remarks, Ambassador Yorlay emphasized that Africa’s youth, comprising over 70% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa, are not merely beneficiaries of development but are central agents of change. He noted that while this demographic represents a strategic advantage, it remains heavily underutilized due to systemic barriers, including limited access to finance, high unemployment, and an underdeveloped digital infrastructure.
“Our youth are not just a statistic; they are the leaders, creators, and innovators of today,” he said. “They are transforming agriculture, technology, entrepreneurship, and peacebuilding—often with limited support. It’s time we match their energy and commitment with policies and investments that work.”
Ambassador Yorlay drew upon his personal journey, referencing his role as the former First Deputy Speaker of the Mano River Union Youth Parliament in Liberia, where he helped expand the parliamentary body from just four members to a representative institution of 30 young leaders spanning all 15 counties of Liberia. He also spoke of his involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he supported youth-led peacebuilding initiatives in conflict-affected communities.
Addressing the global financing gap to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), currently projected at $6.4 trillion by 2030, Ambassador Yorlay underscored the urgency for inclusive financing mechanisms that prioritize youth entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and digital technologies.
“We cannot achieve the SDGs by 2030 if we continue to marginalize Africa’s youth from the financing and policymaking table,” Yorlay warned. “Young entrepreneurs, especially in rural and underserved areas, need access to capital, mentorship, and training — not tomorrow, but now.”
He expressed strong support for the African Union’s proposed Decade of Accelerated Action (2025–2035), which aims to promote skills development, entrepreneurship, and innovation among African youth. Yorlay urged member states and global development agencies to reimagine capital as more than just money, emphasizing trust, opportunity, and long-term investment in youth-led ideas.
“We must redefine capital; it is about empowering minds, not just funding projects,” he said. “It is about believing in the power of Africa’s youth to deliver bold, transformative change.”
Yorlay’s advocacy aligns with the newly launched Sevilla Accord on Youth Financing for Development and the Youth Financing Framework, both of which aim to mobilize resources for youth-led projects across the African continent. He called on African governments, private sector actors, and international partners to translate these frameworks into tangible outcomes, backed by clear timelines and accountability structures.
Concluding his speech, Ambassador Yorlay delivered a powerful message to African youth: “You are not waiting to become leaders. You already are. As you lead the way, we must ensure you have the tools, resources, and support to succeed. The future is already here—and it is green, digital, and in your hands.”
The event in Seville served as a significant platform to not only discuss financing models for development but also to elevate the voices and agency of Africa’s emerging generation. Ambassador Yorlay’s contributions added momentum to the growing call for youth-inclusive development strategies—strategies that recognize young people as partners, not just recipients, in Africa’s transformation agenda.
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