At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, has made a strong case for a more practical and inclusive approach to international diplomacy, urging world leaders to prioritize dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility in addressing global challenges.
Speaking during a high-level Leaders’ Panel themed “Diplomacy Against All Odds: How to Find Common Ground,” Dr. Sengeh joined other global figures including the President of Comoros, Azali Assoumani, Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Yemen’s Prime Minister, Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak. The session focused on how states can sustain cooperation in a world increasingly shaped by political tensions, economic shocks, and security uncertainties.
Dr. Sengeh emphasized the interconnected nature of today’s global system, noting that crises in one region often produce immediate ripple effects elsewhere. He cited fluctuations in fuel prices linked to conflicts in the Gulf region as an example of how deeply interdependent the global economy has become.
Against this backdrop, he outlined three guiding principles for modern diplomacy: continuous dialogue even amid disagreement, sustained engagement despite differences, and action rooted in shared aspirations. According to him, these principles are not theoretical ideals but practical approaches currently shaping governance and diplomacy in Sierra Leone.
He further highlighted the leadership of Julius Maada Bio, particularly ongoing diplomatic engagements with neighbouring Guinea and Liberia to address border-related concerns. He also pointed to Sierra Leone’s active participation within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), describing regional cooperation as essential for strengthening trust, stability, and economic integration across West Africa.
Dr. Sengeh stressed that diplomacy is not separate from national development. He linked effective international cooperation to Sierra Leone’s “Big Five Game Changers,” which include human capital development, food security, job creation, infrastructure expansion, and improved public service delivery. In his view, peace and regional stability form the foundation upon which these development priorities can be achieved.
Reaffirming his commitment to the principle of Radical Inclusion, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of ensuring that governance processes remain participatory and representative. He argued that inclusive decision-making is key to building a resilient and forward-looking society capable of responding to both domestic and global challenges.
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum continues to serve as a major international platform where leaders and policymakers exchange ideas on peace building, cooperation, and sustainable development, reinforcing the importance of dialogue in an increasingly uncertain world.