Freetown, May 26, 2025 – In a significant step toward advancing sustainable urban transformation, Her Worship Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor of Freetown, welcomed a delegation from the Norman Foster Institute (NFI) on Sustainable Cities, Madrid. The team, comprising seven postgraduate student researchers and two professors, is collaborating with Freetown City Council (FCC) to explore innovative solutions for urban development.
This visit stems from Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s previous engagements with NFI, where she delivered lectures highlighting Freetown’s urban management challenges and the city’s Transform Freetown–Transforming Lives initiative. The partnership positions Freetown as one of three cities globally selected for NFI’s 2025 pilot programme, alongside Cape Town and Melilla.
Strengthening Global-Local Collaboration
During the visit, the delegation engaged with community stakeholders, local experts, and students at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. They also conducted site visits to key infrastructure projects, including the Freetown Cable Car System and Central Business District (CBD) Regeneration efforts.
Expressing optimism, Dr. Gareth Simons, Head of City Science at NFI, emphasized the importance of co-creating locally relevant urban solutions. Meanwhile, NFI student Sophie Njei Njogu shared insights from months of research into Freetown’s urban planning landscape.
Commitment to Sustainable Innovation
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr reaffirmed her commitment to international partnerships, stating: “By drawing from global best practices and engaging local voices, we can develop smart, sustainable solutions that improve lives across our city.”
The visit marks a pivotal moment in Freetown’s push for sustainable, inclusive city development.
For further inquiries, contact:
John Baimba Sesay | Senior Communications Manager | Office of the Mayor of Freetown
📧 Email: jbaimba@c40.org
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