Sierra Leone President: Expo 2020 Dubai is a unique platform for countries to showcase their diversity and capabilities
picture
The Republic of Sierra Leone celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, with a ceremony that included raising the flag on the platform of nations in Al Wasl Square, followed by speeches, a group of diverse cultural performances and a women-led media conference at the Expo Media Center.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, received President Julius Maada Bio, President of the friendly Republic of Sierra Leone, accompanied by Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Commissioner-General of the Sierra Leone Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, and a delegation that included: Professor David J. Francis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Mamadi Jabba Kamara, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone; and Mrs. Anne Marie Baby Harding, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
The cultural performances included the recitation of a poem by "Wilma Knuckles", childhood ambassador, poet, actress, musician and children's rights activist; a touching performance by "Amazing Grace" by Rosie Scott, Khadison Doy, and Sir Andrew James; While the traditional musical performance by "Madame Amiyi Kallon" and her traditional orchestra stunned the entourage.
His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio said: “I extend my warmest congratulations to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates for demonstrating the possibility of achieving a brighter future. There is no doubt that Expo 2020 Dubai, through its main slogan, 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future', provides a unique platform for countries From around the world, to showcase their diversity and potential, connect businesses, entrepreneurs and policy makers, attract investments, and discuss ways to promote a brighter and more sustainable future for all. In this spirit, I urge more partnerships, dialogue and cooperation between countries, especially at a time when the world is grappling with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among our small African economies.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said: “Sierra Leone's participation in Expo 2020 Dubai gives us a unique glimpse of what this wonderful country and its friendly people can offer.
It also allows us to learn more about its unique history, culture and investment opportunities in Sierra Leone as a future-oriented country seeking to create new partnerships for sustainable development.”
The media conference held at Expo 2020 Dubai was chaired by the First Lady, Her Excellency Fatima Mada Bio, and was accompanied by Her Excellency Mamadi Jubbeh Camara and Mrs. Annemarie Pepe Harding.
Her Excellency Fatima Mada Bio said: “Empowering women in Africa has been a big challenge for us..I don't know if this is because people mix tradition with religion to disenfranchise women, but our president has moved away from this idea..The UAE is an Islamic country, Women occupy high-level positions in it.. Also, women here have great opportunities in several fields and sectors such as business and entrepreneurship.”
She added, "There was nothing on this site when I visited the UAE two years ago, but what I saw at Expo 2020 upon my return, under the leadership of Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, is incredibly amazing."
The Sierra Leone Pavilion is located in the Opportunity District, under the slogan “A New Beginning”, and takes visitors on a journey to this country rich in natural resources in West Africa. featuring themes around the flag, traditions and national costumes.