Liberian President Joseph N. Boakai Sr. has announced the initiation of an Annual National Diaspora Dialogue targeted at concocting a collective approach to national development.
Addressing hundreds of Diaspora Liberians on Staten Island in New York on Saturday, September 21,2024, the President emphasized the likely benefits of organized interactions between Liberians in the Diaspora and those at home.
He expressed the government’s wish to augment the efficacy and reach of the Diaspora Office in its relations with Liberians overseas while acknowledging the important role played by Liberians outside of the country, especially during times of difficulty.
He continued on to stress on the fact that a more focused administration of Diaspora relations with the government and the nation at large would amount to significant benefits in trade ,tourism, education, business and national harmony.
The event which was held at Curtis High School, brought together Liberians from various part of the United States, as well as state and municipal officials from New York and Staten Island.
Mr. Erasmus Williams the Coordinator of the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, welcoming the attendees declared that a Steering Committee had been formed to oversee Diaspora affairs.
Co-chaired by Mr. Charles Blake of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diaspora Office, the committee includes representatives from the Liberian Legislature, the Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism, the Liberian Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission, LRRRC, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, the International Organization for Migration, the Liberian US umbrella Organization, Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas ULAA, the European Federation of Liberian Associations EFLA and other Civil Society Organizations.
Mr. Williams indicated that the aim of the Diaspora Liberians Annual Return 2024 D LAR2024 is to showcase Liberia’s potential as a premium destination and to reconnect people with Liberian roots.
The event to be held at the end of year, will include activities such as the Diaspora Investment Forum, Liberian Cultural Showcase, Tours and Site Visits, Business Networking Youth Engagement and Skills Development, Nationwide Heritage Match, and Sports Events including soccer matches and track and field.
Source: APO Group / Africa.com