By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

South Korea – A Sierra Leonean delegation touched down in Seoul on Thursday, April 10, ready to make waves at the 2025 Universal Peace Federation (UPF) World Summit. Led by Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, the team’s here to champion peace and collaboration at a time when global ties feel more fragile than ever.

Kargbo, set to speak on April 12, brings a sharp voice to the summit’s mix of leaders, diplomats, lawmakers, and activists. Flanking him are Hon. Haja Miatta Amara and protocol officer Zainab Dumbuya, both packing legislative savvy and diplomatic flair, their arrival at Incheon International Airport sparked a warm welcome councilor Agnes Mbayo, Information attaché Michaella Bonnie, Head of Chancery Isatu Sema Aisha Sillah, and UPF Korea hosts rolled out traditional Korean hospitality.

Themed Peace and Co-Prosperity in a New Era Toward a World of Mutual Interdependence, the summit’s a global brain trust tackling shared crises conflict, inequality, mistrust. Sierra Leone’s crew will dive into keynote talks, panels, and side events with the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), a UPF arm pushing governance that unites, not divides.

Beyond the main stage, Kargbo’s team is slated for high-stakes bilateral talks with global counterparts, forging ties to boost Sierra Leone’s voice on security, trade, and development, this is our chance to shape a world that lifts all, Kargbo said, hinting at deals that could ripple back home.

For a nation navigating post-conflict growth, Sierra Leone’s presence here isn’t just symbolic it’s strategic. Kargbo’s address will pitch unity and resilience, drawing on lessons from home to inspire global peers, as summit debates unfold, this delegation’s poised to bring Freetown’s grit to Seoul’s spotlight, proving small nations can swing big.