Vickie Remoe and Three Others Awarded at the Sierra Leone Diaspora Youth Summit 2024

Recap of the Sierra Leone Diaspora Youth Summit 2024

The first-ever Sierra Leone Diaspora Youth Summit was organized by the Youth Envoy to Sierra Leone, Yulisa Ahmadu, under the inspiring theme “Unleashing Potential, Empowering Change: Building A Stronger Sierra Leonean Diaspora Youth Summit.” The event was held at Tacoma Park Community Center, Maryland.

The summit was a remarkable meeting of minds and talents aimed at fostering a stronger and more empowered Sierra Leonean diaspora youth community. Attendees were treated to a wealth of insights, discussions, and celebrations of achievements within the community.

“The focus of the summit was to engage the diaspora’s youths and to dialogue on the ways we can work together to make positive impacts in Salone,” said Yulisa Ahmadu, Youth Envoy to Sierra Leone

During the event, he launched the Sierra Leone Young Professionals Association, USA.

A group comprising Young professionals from all works of life (Lawyers, Doctors, Nurses, Engineers,IT Specialists, etc).

“The idea is to have a database of young professionals in the diaspora to be readily available to address the brain drain situation in Sierra Leone.”

Lifetime Achievement Awards

A highlight of the event was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to four distinguished Sierra Leoneans:

• Vickie Remoe: is an award-winning entrepreneur, TV Host, and curator of #MakeSierraLeoneFamous. Communications, PR, and online marketing consultant to Africa’s brightest minds. was recognized for her exceptional contributions to media and youth empowerment. “Whenever you see a Sierra Leonean trying, lean in for it. If green white and blue day day, celebrate it!” Vickie Remoe
• Hawa Taylor-Kamara Diallo: is the Chief of the Civil Society Unit at the UN Department of Global Communications. She has extensive United Nations field and headquarters experience in public information outreach and fostering civil society partnerships, particularly in youth and women’s organizations. Honored for her relentless advocacy and community work.
• Desmond Pessima: is the Presidential Adviser on Youth Government of Sierra Leone.
• Rakie Macarthy: Acknowledged for her dedication to youth development and empowerment.

These awards were a testament to the recipients’ unwavering commitment and significant impact on the diaspora youth community.

Keynote Address

His Excellency Ambassador Sidique Wai, the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to the United States, delivered an inspiring keynote address. His speech emphasized the importance of unity, resilience, and proactive engagement among the youth to drive meaningful change in Sierra Leone and beyond.

Engaging Panel Discussions

The summit featured a diverse array of panelists who shared their expertise and experiences on various topics critical to the diaspora youth:

• Desmond Ellis – Co-founder of Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network.
• Agnes Bio – Sierra Leone’s Youth Peace and Security Expert for the United Nations Security Council.
• Musa Kamara – Chief Executive Officer Huda Strategy.
• HollyAndroo – Fashion Designer and Creative Director.
• Hawa Taylor-Kamara Diallo – Chief, Civil Society Unit, Outreach Division Department of Global Communications at United Nations.
• Francis Koroma – Founder Francis Koroma Foundation.
• Ambassador Junisa PGS Kallon –  Executive Director Youth Association in Sierra Leone.
• Pandit Mami – Advisor of International Policy, Government, and Consulting – Colby College

These discussions provided valuable insights and strategies for harnessing the potential of the diaspora youth to foster development and progress.

Inspiring Guest Speakers

The event also featured powerful speeches from notable guest speakers:

• Vickie Remoe – Public Relations, Digital and Communications Strategist.
• Ambassador Patrick Gibrilla: Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Government of Sierra Leone.
• Marjo Bona-Williams: CEO and Founder Cocorobics Entertainment

Their speeches underscored the importance of leveraging skills, networks, and resources to contribute to the growth and development of Sierra Leone.

Moderators

The summit was moderated by Ya Marie Sesay, News Reporter at DC News Now and Sheku Foryoh, Founder and Chief Executive Director Youth and Children Advocacy Panel; they ensured that the discussions were dynamic and engaging, fostering an atmosphere of learning and collaboration.

Conclusion

The Sierra Leone Diaspora Youth Summit 2024 was a resounding success, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to empower and unite Sierra Leonean youth around the world. The event not only celebrated achievements but also ignited a renewed sense of purpose and determination among the attendees to contribute to the future of Sierra Leone.