Dr. Rouguiatou Balde appointed as Canada’s representative for the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network

BY JONELL PANTLITZ

The African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN) is currently spearheading the “Pathway to Solutions” initiative, with the necessary goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

This special project for the United Nations is to popularize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations, in collaboration with different United Nations entities and offices, governments, civil society, academia and the private sector, and the world of sport and culture.

ARDN is an internationally operating NGO headquartered in New York, with the status of a United States 501(c)(3) public charity. Their mission is to accelerate the attainment of the African renaissance by advocating for and supporting United Nations programs and priorities. They plan to do this by mobilizing the passion of government, educators, artists, intellectuals, the private sector, civil society and youth, using the power of art, sport and culture as vectors for creating a better world. ARDN serves as the Secretariat for the Global Alliance of Mayors and Leaders from Africa and of African Descent.

Within the framework of the Pathway to Solutions initiative, ARDN has launched its “Red Card Campaign.” In the game of football, a red card signifies a serious infraction of the rules. In this context, the Red Card Campaign seeks to “Give a red card to all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls.” 

Dr. Rouguiatou Balde and Ms. Koura Doumbia have been appointed as ARDN Country Representative for the Republic of Guinea and the Republic of Mali, respectively. Dr. Balde additionally serves as ARDN Special Adviser for Canada. In these roles, they will further in the development, implementation and promotion of ARDN programs under the direction of Dr. Djibril Diallo, President and CEO of ARDN.

Dr. Balde has over fifteen years of blended experience in clinical and public health program development with a focus on SRHR, MNCH, HIV/AIDS, health systems strengthening, community development, and gender equality. She offers extensive experience in project management, capacity building, strategic planning, policy formulation which she acquired in various geographical areas including the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan countries.

Ms. Koura Doumbia possesses expertise in human resource management and is currently at the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, Bamako, Mali, and a consultant to the Head of Human Resources for the Sahel Area. In this role, she has employed her expertise to set up the Human Resources department and provide management oversight and leadership including developing an HR strategy for the country program in support of the organization, regional and global goals and objectives.