RIDA 2026: African Diaspora Leaders Gather in Montreal! FAAC
- Editor
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
The first day of the International African Diaspora Meetings (RIDA 2026) officially launched three days of discussions focused on strengthening ties between Canada, Africa, and their diasporas. Hosted at the headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the event brought together diplomats, community leaders, elected officials, and diaspora representatives to reflect on connectivity as a key driver of cooperation, development, and closer relationships between communities.
Centered on aviation, diplomacy, and intercultural dialogue, the opening day began with a guided tour of the ICAO headquarters. Participants first explored the organization’s museum, where they discovered the history of civil aviation and its transformation into an essential tool for international cooperation between nations.
The visit featured official welcoming remarks delivered by ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, as well as His Excellency Angleber Zoé Etoundi Essomba, Permanent Representative of Cameroon to ICAO. Both highlighted the strategic role of aviation in bringing nations closer together and supporting global development through international exchanges.
Participants then continued their tour through several strategic areas of the institution, where presentations and discussions provided a deeper understanding of the organization’s operations and the challenges surrounding global connectivity. The objective was to demonstrate how aviation infrastructure and international cooperation mechanisms contribute to economic growth, partnerships, and stronger relationships between continents.
Following the guided visit, all delegations gathered in ICAO’s iconic conference room for the official opening ceremony.
The President of the African Federation of Associations of Canada, Tiéno Souleymane Diallo, delivered the first major address, emphasizing the importance of these meetings and the role of diaspora organizations. He highlighted that “the organization and visibility of the African diaspora” remain essential factors in strengthening its contribution to economic, social, and institutional development between Canada and Africa.
Elected representatives from the cities of Montreal and Longueuil also addressed participants, highlighting the concrete contributions of African communities to local development. Their remarks emphasized the lasting connections that the diaspora continues to build between communities, municipalities, and public institutions.
This first day established the foundation for the discussions that will continue throughout the three-day RIDA 2026 program. Diplomacy, international cooperation, and connectivity will remain at the center of conferences, panels, and meetings designed to explore new opportunities for collaboration.
The activities will continue the following day at UQAM, where additional discussions will further examine avenues of partnership between Canada, Africa, and their diasporas, with the shared goal of building sustainable relationships for future generations.
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