AYV News, October 16, 2025
The Executive Director of the Network Movement for Democracy and Human Rights (NMDHR), Abdul Karim Habib, has met with the President of the World Bank during the 2025 World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings, where discussions centred on global job creation for young people and strategies to tackle youth unemployment.
The high-level meeting, held on the margins of the Annual Meetings, brought together development partners, policy leaders, and civil society representatives to explore innovative approaches for empowering young people through decent work and entrepreneurship opportunities.
During the engagement, Mr. Habib highlighted the urgent need for inclusive policies that support skills development and sustainable livelihoods for youth, particularly in Africa, where unemployment and underemployment remain major challenges. He emphasised that job creation must go hand in hand with human rights, governance, and equitable access to education. “Young people across Africa are full of potential, but many lack opportunities to realise it. Global partners must invest not only in jobs but also in the skills and systems that make employment sustainable,” Mr. Habib stated.
Additionally, Mr. Habib highlighted NMDHR’s ongoing partnerships with the Ministry of Health and international organisations in promoting public health education, especially through initiatives such as the HPV-MAC vaccination campaign targeting adolescent girls.
“Health is a fundamental human right, and building strong health systems requires both national commitment and global support. We are excited about the World Bank’s willingness to work with civil society to ensure that no community is left behind,” he ended.
The World Bank President commended NMDHR’s continued advocacy for youth empowerment and human rights, reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, digital skills, and job opportunities for young people worldwide.
The 2025 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings brought together thousands of policymakers, civil society organisations, and international leaders to discuss global economic challenges, sustainable growth, and inclusive development.
NMDHR’s participation underscores its growing international presence and its mission to advance human rights, democracy, and socio-economic empowerment—particularly for young people in Sierra Leone and across Africa.
