By Millicent Senava Mannah
Ishmeal Alfred Charles, a renowned humanitarian from Sierra Leone, recently attended the prestigious AIDEX 2024 Global Humanitarian Aid Event, held on October 23 and 24 at PALEXPO in Geneva, Switzerland, while continuing his book tour across Europe.
This influential event gathered leaders, organizations and professionals dedicated to global humanitarian efforts, creating a dynamic environment for collaboration and innovation. The opening day was marked by impactful discussions and networking opportunities that connected mission-driven individuals from around the world.
At the event, Ishmeal Alfred Charles had the opportunity to highlight his extensive humanitarian work in Sierra Leone, including his projects with Caritas Freetown, the Healey International Relief Foundation and the Sick Pikin Project. Engaging with other advocates committed to humanitarian solutions, he described the experience as immensely fulfilling.
Reflecting on his participation, Ishmeal Alfred Charles emphasized the critical importance of “duty of care” and the role of partnerships in fostering sustainable humanitarian efforts. “Duty of care embodies the ethical and legal responsibilities that organizations have to protect the well-being and safety of those they serve, especially within humanitarian contexts. This principle is vital for ensuring aid delivery that minimizes harm and maximizes positive outcomes for affected communities,” he stated.
Ishmeal Alfred Charles further explained the importance of collaborative partnerships among Governments, NGOs, private sector entities and local communities. He asserted, “By leveraging diverse resources and expertise, partnerships can establish resilient systems that address the root causes of crises and promote sustainable, long-term solutions.” The humanitarian underscored that the combination of duty of care and effective partnerships is essential for building a future that not only addresses immediate needs but also empowers communities to flourish.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to engage with influential humanitarian advocates, Ishmeal Alfred Charles shared his optimism for the collaborations and innovations likely to emerge from the event. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with others in creating a brighter future for communities in need.
The AIDEX event was one of many stops on Ishmeal Alfred Charles’s successful European tour for his memoir, “From a Child Soldier to Humanitarian” which has drawn considerable support and enthusiasm from readers. His recent event in Glarus, Switzerland, hosted by the Anna Göldi Museum, was particularly well-received. Ishmeal Alfred Charles expressed his appreciation for the museum’s managers, Philippe and Annick, for their exceptional hospitality, which contributed to the tour’s memorable impact.
Reflecting on the reception his book has received, Ishmeal Alfred Charles noted how the engagement from audiences has made the tour a deeply rewarding experience. He also emphasized his mission to inspire non-Sierra Leoneans to visit and invest in Sierra Leone, seeing such engagement as essential for the country’s development. “By creating opportunities for young people we can empower them with jobs, improve their lives and ultimately drive the progress of our nation,” he stated.
Having hosted successful events in Modena and Milan, Italy, and now in Glarus, Ishmeal Alfred Charles continues to raise awareness about Sierra Leone. His vision is to build international partnerships that contribute to sustainable development, a mission that resonates deeply with his audiences.
Through his memoir and advocacy work, Ishmeal Alfred Charles stands as a powerful voice for resilience, inviting others to join him in making a positive impact worldwide.
