By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) Director General, Ms. Musayeroh Barrie, was among over 22 high-level international delegates who attended the launch of the fourth edition of the International Programme for Civil Aviation Leaders (TIPCAL) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The event, which was organized by the United Arab Emirates Prime Minister’s Office in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), took place from July 21 to 24, 2025, and focused on innovation, sustainability and Government transformation within the aviation sector.

During the programme, Ms. Musayeroh Barrie expressed pride in representing Sierra Leone, emphasizing that her appointment as the world’s youngest Director General of Civil Aviation was a testament to President Julius Maada Bio’s vision to empower young leaders. “Being recognized on this global stage was an immense honor. I remain grateful to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for his confidence in young people and for promoting inclusive leadership in Sierra Leone,” Ms. Musayeroh Barrie stated.

TIPCAL 2025 brought together Ministers, Director Generals and senior decision-makers from civil aviation authorities across the globe. The programme served as a strategic platform for sharing best practices, fostering international cooperation and cultivating forward-thinking leadership to shape the future of global aviation.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, United Arab Emirates Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority Board, reaffirmed the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to innovation and sustainability in civil aviation. He stressed that the sector’s rapid technological transformation required agile governance and stronger international partnerships to secure sustainable growth.

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, United Arab Emirates Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, underscored the United Arab Emirates’ role as a global aviation hub and one of the world’s leading producers of aviation fuel. He noted that TIPCAL reflected the country’s dedication to advancing responsible, efficient and climate-conscious aviation development.

Ms. Musayeroh Barrie’s participation followed her leadership during the 2025 AFI Aviation Week, where Sierra Leone signed a landmark Civil Aviation Master Plan with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The agreement represented a major milestone in aligning Sierra Leone with international aviation safety and sustainability standards.

At AFI Aviation Week, Ms. Musayeroh Barrie also initiated bilateral talks with the Government of Malaysia to explore direct air connectivity between Sierra Leone and Malaysia aimed at boosting trade, tourism and cultural exchange. She further represented Sierra Leone on a panel discussion on gender equality, reinforcing the country’s commitment to inclusive leadership in the aviation industry.

“Sierra Leone demonstrated that gender equity and aviation excellence can go hand in hand,” Ms. Musayeroh Barrie noted, commending the Government of Sierra Leone for enacting the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Bill, which mandates 30% female representation in key decision-making positions.

Ms. Musayeroh Barrie’s recognition at TIPCAL 2025 cemented Sierra Leone’s growing reputation as an emerging leader in aviation governance and reform in Africa, while showcasing the country’s commitment to sustainable growth, international cooperation and empowering women in traditionally male-dominated sectors. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slcaa-dg-joins-global-aviation-leaders-at-global-tipcal-2025-forum-in-abu-dhabi/