Ambassador Yongawo Delivers Passionate Statement at the III International GEONEXT Forum in Moscow
Moscow, October 17, 2026. His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation, has delivered a passionate and thought-provoking statement on “Technologies and Digitalization in Subsoil Use” at the III International GEONEXT Forum, hosted by the Russian State University for Geological Prospecting.
The panel discussion brought together ambassadors, university rectors, academics, students, and business leaders to examine the growing role of technology and digitalization in geological exploration and the sustainable use of mineral resources.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Yongawo thanked the University for organizing the important forum, noting the increasing influence of digitalization, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), on everyday life and the future of human development.
He began by acknowledging his fellow ambassadors, the Rector, distinguished delegates, academics, and students. He also extended special recognition to his friend and brother, Alexei Destyanik, CEO of Zarubezhgeologia, commending the organization’s efforts to expand Russian geological technologies and expertise across the African continent.
“It is always a pleasure to be here. I would particularly like to recognize the presence of my friend and brother, Alexei Destyanik, CEO of Zarubezhgeologia, and thank him for the work he is doing to expand Russian geological technologies to the African continent,” the Ambassador stated.
Describing the discussion as timely and relevant, Ambassador Yongawo observed that, despite the quality and number of participants, the subject deserved a wider audience.
“As my brother from Rwanda stated, this is a very timely discussion. Although the audience is of an appreciable quality and number, I would have expected even more people scrambling to enter. In the future, we should encourage many more participants to engage in these important conversations,” he remarked.
Addressing climate change, Ambassador Yongawo offered a distinctive perspective, drawing an analogy between the natural aging process of human beings and the planet's evolution.
He explained that he was not a climate change skeptic but believed that the Earth, like human beings, was constantly evolving and could not be expected to remain unchanged throughout its existence.
“I have always seen our world as getting older. It is like human beings: the older we become, the more changes we experience. When a child is born, the child grows and develops. We do not expect that child to continue wearing the clothes they wore as a baby when they become older. In the same way, we cannot expect the Earth to remain exactly as it was at the beginning of its existence,” he observed.
He emphasized that natural changes are an inherent feature of the planet’s long history. However, he cautioned that the real cause for concern is the extent to which human activities accelerate certain environmental processes.
According to the Ambassador, pollution and other human-induced activities contribute significantly to the environmental challenges confronting the world today. He therefore called for a balanced understanding of the relationship between natural planetary changes and the accelerating effects of human activity.
Reflecting on the observations made by his colleague from Panama, Ambassador Yongawo also referred to the geological history of the continents and their changing configurations over millions of years, illustrating how the natural world has continually evolved.
Turning to artificial intelligence, Ambassador Yongawo drew a parallel between public anxiety over AI and concerns surrounding climate change.
He argued that humanity should not approach technological innovation with fear alone, given that AI is a product of human ingenuity. Instead, the priority should be to ensure that its development and application remain guided by human responsibility.
“Like climate change, everyone appears to be panicking over AI. Human beings are very innovative. We created AI, and we can control it if we want to. But if, on the other hand, we do not want to control it, that is where the danger lies,” he cautioned.
His remarks underscored the importance of responsible technological governance, appropriate safeguards, and harnessing emerging technologies for the benefit of humanity.
Ambassador Yongawo also highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to technological advancement, citing President Julius Maada Bio’s forward-looking decision to establish the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) under the Presidency.
He said technology and innovation are central to the Government’s development priorities, particularly in improving public services, expanding opportunities, and ensuring the benefits of modern technology reach all citizens.
“President Bio was forward-looking when he assumed office and established the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation under the Presidency. Technological development is one of our Government’s principal priorities,” he stated.
Referring to comments made by his colleague from Mexico, the Ambassador stressed that technology must serve people and improve their quality of life rather than deepen existing inequalities.
“Our President foresaw the need for technology to improve the lives of his compatriots and to ensure that no one is left behind. We must take everyone along. Every man and woman on our planet should have the opportunity to access modern technology. That is the kind of development we must pursue,” he emphasized.
In concluding his intervention, Ambassador Yongawo acknowledged that technological advancement comes with potential risks and challenges. Nevertheless, he maintained that the benefits of technology far outweigh its disadvantages when it is developed and applied responsibly.
His contribution reinforced the importance of international dialogue and cooperation in ensuring that technological innovation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence become instruments for sustainable development, inclusive growth, and improved human welfare.
The Ambassador’s participation at the III International GEONEXT Forum also highlighted the opportunities for stronger cooperation between Sierra Leone and Russian institutions in geological exploration, mining technology, digital innovation, and human capital development.
As countries across Africa seek to maximize the benefits of their natural resources while embracing technological transformation, such exchanges provide a valuable platform for sharing expertise, strengthening partnerships, and exploring practical solutions to common development challenges.
For More Inquiries:
Festus J. Lahai
Information Attaché
Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone
Moscow, Russian Federation
Email:
Website: www.slembassyrussia.org
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