Date of publication: Monday 1 December 2025
Dr. Konneh visits Carleton University, and invokes the power of Ubuntu – ‘I am, because we are
by
Andy (Kwaku) Kusi-Appiah, President & CEO, ESS
Wednesday 22 October 2025
Abstract
This article celebrates the success of a recent event that brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds and time zones to celebrate the visit of Dr. Augustine Konneh, Senior Advisor to the President of the Republic of Liberia, to Ottawa. The event, co-hosted by the Institute of African Studies at Carleton University and Environmental Stewardship Solutions (ESS), a Ottawa-based environmental solutions enterprise, showcased the power of collaboration and diversity in achieving a common goal. Through the lens of the Ubuntu philosophy, this report highlights the importance of inclusivity, empathy, and collective effort in building a stronger, more resilient community.
Keywords: Ubuntu, diversity, inclusivity, collaboration, community building, leadership, African diaspora, sustainable development
Introduction:
On October 22, 2025, Dr. Augustine Konneh, senior advisor to His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia, visited Carleton University, and was co-hosted by the Institute of African Studies, (Dr. Nduka Otiono was generous with his time and resources), and Environmental Stewardship Solutions, an Ottawa-based sustainable development consulting firm.
The event brought together academia, business, politics, and community associations, including representatives from the Liberian community in Ottawa, as well as other African community groups, such as the Cameroonian, Sudanese, South Sudanese, Tanzanian, Kenyan, Ghanaian, and Nigerian communities, among others.
Sustainability insights:
Dr. Konneh shared his insights on sustainable development, gender and leadership. He highlighted the interconnectedness of leadership, environmental stewardship, and gender equity. On leadership, Dr. Konneh emphasized that authentic leadership must be measured by outcomes, particularly in delivering equity across environmental and gender domains. He cited examples of African leaders (such as Kwame Nkrumah, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere) who championed economic self-reliance, intellectual emancipation, and social justice, and stressed the importance of environmental sustainability, highlighting Liberia’s green tropical forests as a global asset in the fight against climate change.
Fireside Chat:
The event also featured a fireside chat moderated by Professor Adrian Harewood of the School of Journalism (Carleton University), which provided a platform for Dr. Konneh to delve more into gender, development and leadership. The discussion underscored the importance of collaboration, empathy, and goodwill in achieving sustainable development and promoting gender equity.
Ubuntu wins:
The success of this event is a testament to the power of diversity and the Ubuntu philosophy: “I am because we are.” The collective efforts of people from different continents, time zones, and cultural backgrounds ensured the event’s success, despite the challenges that threatened to derail it. This remarkable achievement demonstrates that when people from diverse backgrounds and cultures come together with a shared vision, they can achieve far more than they ever thought possible.
Last words:
Ottawa, with its substantial Black population from Africa and the Caribbean, is a vibrant example of multiculturalism in action. The Ubuntu philosophy reminds us that our individual successes are linked to the successes of those around us. As we strive for excellence in our respective fields, let us remember the power of collaboration, empathy, and goodwill. Let us continue to come together, celebrate our diversity, and build a brighter future for all.
