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Sierra Leonean journalist and youth advocate Foday Moriba Conteh has received multiple 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 recognised 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, 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 reflect Conteh’s dedication to promoting peace and his efforts to use journalism and youth engagement as tools for positive change.
He expressed confidence that the honours would encourage the young journalist and advocate to deepen his contributions to Sierra Leone and the wider West African region.
Conteh, reflecting on his journey, said his interest in advocacy began during his school years through active participation in youth-focused organisations and community initiatives.
Over the years, his advocacy work has become closely connected with his journalism career, allowing him to use the media to highlight issues affecting young people, promote accountability and contribute to national development.
For Conteh, the latest recognitions represent more than personal achievements. He described them as a renewed responsibility to continue serving society.
“Once you receive an award, it means you are being challenged to continue doing more,” he stated.
He also expressed appreciation to the individuals and organisations that have supported him throughout his professional and advocacy journey.
Conteh dedicated the recognition to his boss and mentor, Amin Kef Sesay, Managing Editor and Publisher of The Calabash Newspaper.
He credited Sesay with providing consistent guidance, encouragement and professional opportunities that have contributed significantly to his development as a journalist and youth advocate.
According to Conteh, the support and mentorship he received from Sesay played an important role in his professional growth, adding that the latest achievements would not have been possible without the opportunities and backing he received.
Following the recognitions, 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.
His latest honours further add to his profile as a Sierra Leonean journalist and youth advocate whose work spans media, youth empowerment, democratic accountability, peacebuilding and community development.
The recognitions also place greater responsibility on Conteh to build on his advocacy and journalism work and continue contributing to conversations around youth participation, accountability and development in Sierra Leone and beyond.
