By: Abdul Razack Gbla

Madam Isha Johansen continues to elevate Sierra Leone on the Global stage at the MEDays Forum in the Kingdom of Morocco. On a momentous occasion, Isha Johansen, FIFA Council member and former President of SLFA is set to speak at the 15th Edition of the MEDays Forum in Tangier, Morocco, under the Chief Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

With over 5,000 guests from around the world, the event boasts a lineup of distinguished speakers, such as Lazarre Bansse, Former Minsters of Foreign Affairs Raphael Tuju of Kenya, Mohamed Abdirazak of Somalia and Mamadi Toure of the Republic of Guinea converging to discuss crucial topics ranging from football development in Africa to global economic progress.

The MEDays Forum, renowned for its global significance, will focus on the theme “Polycrisis, Polyworld,” addressing multifaceted challenges and offering innovative solutions. Johansen’s participation in the “Football Development in Africa: Investments, Growth, and Economic Progress” session on November 16, 2023, is expected to showcase Sierra Leone’s commitment to positive change on the international stage.

In an official invitation extended by Bekim Fassi Fihiri, President and Founder of the Amadeus Institute, Johansen is recognized for her interest in the forum’s themes, emphasizing the invaluable contribution her insights will make to the “Tangier 2023 Declaration” – a document summarizing the outcomes of the four-day event.

Madam Johansen’s participation will extend to the MEDays Session 4, scheduled for Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., focusing on “Football Development in Africa: Investments, Growth, and Economic Progress.” This session is expected to delve into critical aspects of football’s role in the continent’s development, exploring avenues for growth and economic advancement.

The President and Founder of the Amadeus Institute, Bekim FASSI FIHIRI, expressed confidence that Madam Johansen’s insights will be a valuable asset in shaping reflections and recommendations.

Madam Isha Johansen has a 20-year-old dedicated commitment and experience in football development and governance which started off as a humanitarian venture borne out of the Sierra Leone’s civil war years ago with her work with underprivileged young boys whom she worked with, using football to reintegrate the kids back into society, whilst encouraging education to be part of their daily curriculum. Johansen also used football as a tool for changing the global social development, and changing the global narrative of Sierra Leone as a war ravaged/child soldier state. Isha’s travels extensive travels with her football club FC Johansen saw the meteoric rise from a community youth club whose participation in youth tournaments with some of the world’s most successful clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, Stuttgartt, Werder Brenan, Real Madrid, to name but a few earned FC Johansen a place in Sierra Leone and the African Continent as one of the most internationally renowned youth clubs and an unmatched inspirational national history in Sierra Leone.