SLCAA DIRECTOR GENERAL DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT ICAO HIGH-LEVEL YOUTH SUMMIT IN MONTRÉAL, CANADA
The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) is proud to announce that its Director General, Madam Musayeroh Barrie was officially invited to deliver the keynote address at the ICAO High-Level Youth Summit, hosted by the United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority (UAE GCAA) on the sidelines of the 42nd ICAO Assembly (A42) in Montréal, Canada—the headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
As the youngest Director General in the global aviation community and the sole guest speaker at the summit, Madam Barrie delivered an inspiring and forward-looking message to a global audience of youth delegates, policymakers, aviation professionals, and industry leaders.
Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Aviation Future
In her address, Madam Barrie spoke passionately about the urgent need to include young people not only in discussions about aviation’s future, but also in decision-making today.
“It is no longer enough to speak about youth as the future, we must empower youth as the present,” she said. “The future of aviation is not ahead of us. It is here. It is now.”
The summit, anchored on ICAO’s Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) agenda, highlighted the importance of intergenerational collaboration, innovation, and cross-border partnerships in building a resilient and sustainable aviation industry.
Representing Sierra Leone and African Youth on the Global Stage
Madam Barrie highlighted Sierra Leone’s emerging aviation sector, which is youthful, ambitious, and rich with potential.
She emphasized the importance of skills development, gender inclusion, digital transformation, and leadership grooming, particularly in Africa.
“Events like this help position African voices, and especially African youth, at the center of global aviation development,” her remarked.
As a key voice from the continent, Madam Barrie reaffirmed SLCAA’s commitment to ICAO’s NGAP vision and called for more strategic alliances that elevate youth participation in meaningful and measurable ways.
A Message to the Next Generation
Madam Barrie encouraged the young participants to seize their moment and lead with courage and vision:
“Don’t wait for approval to take the lead. Don’t undervalue the power of your voice. And don’t let anyone tell you that you are too young to do or be anything.”
The SLCAA congratulates Director General Madam Musayeroh Barrie on this historic engagement and remains steadfast in its mission to foster innovation, leadership, and youth empowerment in Sierra Leone’s aviation landscape and beyond.
