‘Guyana Diaspora Forum’ series launches in Washington 

The inaugural event in the ‘Guyana Diaspora Forum Series: Building  Towards 2050’ was held on Monday, July 21 at the prestigious National Press Club, bringing together members of the Guyanese diaspora, government officials, development partners, and private sector leaders for an evening of discussion, collaboration, and vision-sharing. 

Hosted by ACE Consulting Group in collaboration with ExxonMobil Guyana, the forum served as a platform to strengthen diaspora engagement and encourage direct involvement in Guyana’s ongoing transformation. The event highlighted the critical role of strategic partnerships, workforce development, and youth empowerment in shaping Guyana’s trajectory over the next 25 years. 

Delivering the opening remarks was Dr. Rosh Khan, President of ACE Consulting Group, who emphasized the power of diaspora contributions in building a globally competitive Guyana. 

According to Dr. Khan, “Guyana’s future will also be shaped by people who are willing to bridge continents and contribute where it matters most. Our diaspora holds the skills, insight, and global context to help Guyana rise. They are our strategic partners. This forum is a call to action to co-create a Guyana where opportunity reaches every region, and where every citizen, whether at home  or abroad, has a role to play.” 

Keynote remarks were delivered by Her Excellency Nicole D. Theriot, United States Ambassador to Guyana, while His Excellency Samuel Hinds, Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States, also addressed attendees. 

Her Excellency Nicole Theriot said, “Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed a massive increase in commercial activity, and I am proud of the investments the U.S. Government and private sector have made in Guyana. Our collaboration spans many sectors—education, healthcare,  infrastructure, energy, defense and security, and agriculture, to name a few—all of which create a  foundation for continued sustainable growth.” 

A dynamic fireside conversation followed, featuring: 1) Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, Former  U.S. Ambassador to Guyana; 2) Rosalinda Rasul, Head of the Diaspora Unit, Ministry of Foreign  Affairs; 3) Diletta Doretti, Country Representative, World Bank Group; and 4) Rebecca Cvikota,  In-Country Project Manager, ExxonMobil Guyana. 

Moderating both the fireside and youth panel segments was Mr. Wazim Mowla, Fellow and Lead of the Caribbean Initiative at the Atlantic Council. 

“This forum marked a powerful reminder that the Guyanese diaspora is not peripheral. It is essential. Diaspora engagement is nation-building in real time,” said Mowla. “By elevating the  voices of young leaders, development experts, and policymakers, we are laying the groundwork  for real impact, both in Guyana and across the region.”

The evening concluded with a youth-led panel discussion featuring Keith Cort, an MIT Aerospace graduate student, and Khishan Singh, Operations Director at GAICO Construction Inc., followed by a networking reception. 

The Guyana Diaspora Forum Series will continue in other cities over the coming months, with the goal of building a global community of engaged Guyanese professionals, investors, and changemakers who are ready to play a role in Guyana’s journey to 2050 (Press release)