Sierra Leone's Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina SengehSierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, used the inaugural Civic Day Series in the United States to encourage Sierra Leoneans living abroad to deepen their involvement and transition from passive supporters to active problem solvers and partners in the country’s development. Dr Sengeh spoke at the opening session, highlighting the country’s progress in key sectors and emphasising the importance of the diaspora’s expertise, networks, and resources in addressing Sierra Leone’s development challenges.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude for Sierra Leoneans’ long-standing contributions overseas, particularly in health, education, and agriculture, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engaging citizens wherever they live. He stated unequivocally that the government welcomes and will support increased diaspora participation, and that policies are more effective and sustainable when they incorporate the perspectives of both domestic and international citizens.
Dr Sengeh’s keynote address emphasised civic engagement as a critical driver of national unity and sustainable development. He urged diaspora members to continue to play an active role in the country’s transformation by using their professional skills, leveraging international connections, and investing their time and resources in meaningful ways. Dr Sengeh believes that such collaborations can help to accelerate progress and address long-standing challenges in a variety of sectors.
Participants at the Civic Day Series praised the initiative and thanked Dr Sengeh and other ministers for expanding the program beyond Sierra Leone’s borders. Many people described the event as a valuable opportunity to connect directly with the government, exchange ideas, and explore practical ways to contribute. A number of attendees expressed a strong desire to return to Sierra Leone to give back, invest in, and support community-benefiting projects.
There was widespread hope that ongoing engagements such as the Civic Day Series would strengthen ties between Sierra Leoneans at home and in the diaspora, fostering partnerships that would lead to tangible development outcomes and a more inclusive national conversation about the country’s future.
