Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray has urged Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to contribute practical ideas, expertise, and international connections to the country's development efforts. He made the call during the Civic Day USA Edition in New York, emphasizing the importance of using their knowledge, professional networks, and experience to strengthen the country's international partnerships. This effort builds on initiatives established by previous administrations and supported by Sierra Leone's diplomatic missions.
The Minister's message placed the diaspora at the centre of discussions on international cooperation, with emphasis on practical contributions, knowledge-sharing, and measurable outcomes. Swaray encouraged Sierra Leoneans to examine how countries such as Ghana and Liberia engage their citizens abroad and use those experiences to propose practical approaches for strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation. This approach aims to foster collaboration and maximize the benefits of international partnerships.
The New York Civic Day was specifically designed to create a platform for Sierra Leoneans in the United States to engage directly with senior government officials on national development and public policy. The event provided an opportunity for Sierra Leoneans abroad to share their ideas and experiences, and for the government to assure them of its commitment to working with them to harness their ideas, skills, and networks in support of national development.
Swaray stressed that Government's efforts should ultimately be measured by tangible results for Sierra Leone rather than by the level of effort invested. He emphasized the importance of measurable outcomes and practical contributions, ensuring that the country's development efforts yield concrete benefits. This approach will enable the government to assess the effectiveness of its initiatives and make informed decisions.
The Minister's call to action resonated with the diaspora community, who are eager to contribute to the country's development. By leveraging their expertise and international connections, Sierra Leoneans abroad can play a vital role in strengthening the country's international partnerships and driving economic growth. The government's commitment to working with the diaspora is expected to yield positive results.
Sierra Leone's diplomatic missions, including the Embassy in Washington, D.C., have been supporting initiatives to engage the diaspora and promote national development. The Ministry's work builds on these efforts, aiming to create a more collaborative and effective approach to international cooperation. By working together, the government and the diaspora can achieve significant progress.
The Civic Day USA Edition in New York demonstrated the government's commitment to engaging with Sierra Leoneans abroad and promoting national development. The event provided a platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration, highlighting the potential for the diaspora to contribute to the country's growth and development. The government's efforts to harness the expertise and connections of Sierra Leoneans abroad are expected to yield tangible benefits.
Key points
- Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray has called on Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to contribute practical ideas, expertise, and international connections to the country's development efforts.
- The Minister emphasized the importance of measurable outcomes and practical contributions to ensure the country's development efforts yield concrete benefits.
- The government's commitment to working with the diaspora is expected to yield positive results in strengthening the country's international partnerships and driving economic growth.