Rashid Sesay, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, attended the World Governments Summit Ambassadors’ Retreat, organised by the World Governments Summit Foundation in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The retreat brought together ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the UAE to discuss ways to improve international collaboration and shape a more cooperative global future.
The World Governments Summit, an annual gathering of government leaders, policymakers, and private-sector stakeholders, provides a forum for exchanging innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Opening the retreat, H.E. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit Organisation, emphasised the Summit’s growing international role. “Guided by the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the World Governments Summit has become an international platform for joint action, enhancing cooperation among nations, anticipating the future, and enabling governments to develop proactive solutions to humanity’s most pressing challenges,” he told reporters.
During the retreat, Ambassador Sesay took part in a session titled “Diplomacy in Action: Collaborative Pathways for a Shared Future.” The session focused on the role of international cooperation in addressing systemic issues and promoting shared prosperity. Ambassador Sesay took advantage of the opportunity to advocate for more innovative diplomatic frameworks that facilitate effective global cooperation, as well as to share Sierra Leone’s perspective on how diplomatic engagement can help mobilise solutions and improve citizen service delivery.
Sierra Leone has consistently used the World Governments Summit to network, share experiences, and learn new approaches to governance and public service. The country’s participation at the Summit has included highlighting national achievements and exploring potential partnerships to support development goals. The retreat also highlighted a notable achievement from the 2023 Summit, when Sierra Leone’s Dr David Moinina Sengeh, then Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and now Chief Minister, received the Best Minister award.
Ambassador Sesay’s participation demonstrates Sierra Leone’s ongoing commitment to international dialogue and collaboration as tools for advancing national development and contributing to global efforts to address common challenges.
