06/12/2026
At the International Conference on Refugee & Newcomer Well-Being 2026, Mr. Abdoulaye Barry, Executive Director of Africa Centre, delivered a compelling keynote address on the realities facing refugees and newcomers in Canada.
He highlighted critical challenges including mental health, credential recognition barriers, underemployment, social isolation, cultural identity, and the need for community-centered approaches that empower newcomers to move from being service recipients to active contributors in Canadian society.
Mr. Barry emphasized that newcomer well-being is not only about access to services, it is about recognition, inclusion, belonging, and creating pathways for newcomers to thrive and contribute their skills, experience, and talents to Canada's future.
His message was clear: when newcomers succeed, communities grow stronger and Canada benefits.
Read the full speech and watch the keynote video here:
https://letshelpinternational.ca/realities-of-refugee-and-newcomer-well-being-abdoulaye-barry-calls-for-recognition-inclusion-and-community-centered-solutions/