Abass Sesay, AYV News, May 20, 2025
In a landmark keynote address at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK), Dr. Richard Konteh, a prominent figure in the All People’s Congress and flag bearer aspirant, delivered a compelling speech exploring the transformative convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), human capital development, education, empowerment, and environmental stewardship in advancing economic progress and sustainable development.
The interdepartmental debate, hosted by UNIMAK’s Students Representative Council provided a vibrant platform for students, faculty, and political thought leaders to exchange ideas on national development strategies. Dr. Konteh’s address stood out for its visionary articulation of how emerging technologies and holistic development principles can harmonize to elevate Sierra Leone’s socio-economic landscape.
Dr. Konteh emphasized that Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality with immense potential to revolutionize sectors like agriculture, education, and healthcare. “Harnessing AI means enabling precision farming, personalized learning, and data-driven governance,” he remarked. He urged academic institutions and policymakers to invest in AI literacy and infrastructure to position Sierra Leone as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
Central to Dr. Konteh’s vision was the development of human capital as the cornerstone of national progress. He highlighted the need for policies that prioritize skills training, youth empowerment, and inclusive education. “A nation cannot grow faster than the capacity of its people,” he noted, advocating for stronger partnerships between government, private sector, and academic institutions to nurture talent and innovation.
Education, in Dr. Konteh’s framework, is not merely about acquiring knowledge but about fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving—skills vital in the age of AI. He called for curriculum reform that integrates digital literacy, civic responsibility, and environmental consciousness, underscoring the university’s role as a breeding ground for future leaders and innovators.
Acknowledging the growing threats of climate change and environmental degradation, Dr. Konteh stressed the importance of environmental stewardship as a non-negotiable pillar of sustainable development. He linked sustainable land use, green technologies, and conservation practices to economic resilience, especially in agriculture-dependent regions across the country. “Environmental responsibility is both a moral and economic imperative,” he declared.
Dr. Konteh concluded with a call to action for young Sierra Leoneans: to embrace innovation, challenge the status quo, and take active roles in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today,” he said, echoing a sentiment that resonated deeply with the student audience.
His presence at the debate was not only a political gesture but a powerful reaffirmation of his commitment to youth engagement, nation-building, and visionary leadership rooted in practical, people-centered policies.
As Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge, voices like Dr. Richard Konteh’s remind the nation that the path to sustainable development lies in the synergy of technology, education, empowerment, and environmental care.
