Sierra Leonean journalist and youth advocate Foday Moriba Conteh has received two prestigious international recognitions for his contributions to peace advocacy, youth leadership, journalism and community development.
Conteh, a Staff Writer at The Calabash Newspaper and Executive Director of the Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability Sierra Leone (YADASL), was officially honoured as a Global Peace Ambassador for 2026 by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA).
He was also named among the 100 Most Influential Youth Leaders in West Africa for 2026 and received the distinguished title of Most Influential Change Maker.
Presenting the awards, the Executive Director of Media Advocacy Network-SL, Ambassador Mohamed Tejan Barrie, commended Conteh for his sustained commitment to national, regional and global development.
Ambassador Barrie said the recognitions reflected Conteh’s dedication to promoting peace and using journalism and youth engagement as powerful instruments for positive change.
He expressed confidence that the honours would inspire the young journalist and advocate to intensify his contributions to Sierra Leone and the wider West African region.
Receiving the awards, Conteh recalled that his journey into advocacy began during his school years, when he actively participated in youth-focused organisations and community initiatives.
He explained that his long-standing involvement in advocacy has gradually merged with his journalism career, enabling him to use the media to amplify issues affecting young people, promote accountability and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Conteh described the awards as both an honour and a challenge to deepen his service to society.
“Once you receive an award, it means you are being challenged to continue doing more,” he stated, while expressing appreciation to everyone who has supported his professional and advocacy journey.
He said his appointment as a Global Peace Ambassador had further strengthened his determination to promote peaceful coexistence, support vulnerable communities and contribute to sustainable development in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Conteh particularly dedicated the awards to his boss and mentor, Amin Kef Sesay, Managing Editor and Publisher of The Calabash Newspaper, whom he credited with providing consistent guidance and support throughout his professional career.
He described Sesay’s mentorship and encouragement as instrumental to his growth as a journalist and youth advocate, stressing that the achievements would not have been possible without the opportunities and backing he received from him.
Conteh reaffirmed his commitment to using journalism and advocacy to advance the interests of young people, promote democratic accountability and contribute to peace and national development.
The latest recognitions add to Conteh’s growing profile as a promising Sierra Leonean journalist and advocate whose work cuts across media, youth empowerment, democratic accountability, peacebuilding and community development.
