Sierra Leone came together to celebrate its National Day at Expo 2020 Duabi held at Al Wasl Plaza on the 14th of October, 2021.
The glitz and glamarous musical and artistic activities were well apreciated by a delegation that was led by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierral Leone accompanied by first lady Fatima Maada Bio. Their Excellencies were welcomed by Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan acknowledged Sierra Leone’s long history of participation at World Expos since 1970. Going on to state that the country is known for its active participation in strengthening the women labour force and gender equality, which is a vision that the United Arab Emirates strongly supports.
Sheikh Nahayan reiterated that the participation of Sierra Leone in the Expo will give an insight on what the country has to offer and allow the world to learn more about the unique history, culture and investment opportunities available. He said that the UAE is open to creating new partnerships as well as building up on existing partnerships in areas such as Agriculture, Infrastructure, Mining and Education.
Remarks that were warmly welcomed by His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, who commended the UAE's level of tolerance, commitment and preaching of peace across the world. He acknowledged that the Expo truly offers a unique platform for countries around the world to showcase diversity and potentiality.
“I extend my warmest felicitations to the esteemed government and its people of the UAE for demonstrating how a brighter future is possible. It is in this spirit that I urge greater partnership, dialogue and collaboration among nations, as the world tackles the economic impact of Covid-19, especially among our smaller African economies.”
"We are ready to talk business, we are ready to show the world what we have and work with investors to achieve the future we desire" said Siera Leone’s President.
President Bio concluded his remarks by stating that Sierra Leone is heavily invested in human capital through universal access to quality education as well as food security and affordable health care.
The event was wrapped up with beautiful performances from Sierra Leonean artists.
Visitors can find the Sierra Leone pavilion in the Opportunity District, designed and knit together under the theme ‘New Beginning,’ taking you on a journey to the West African country, which is rich in natural resources.
