I am sending this press release for informational purposes only. That is so each of us can make an assessment as to what extent these kinds of activities are useful in the achievement of comprehensive continental political-economic integration and the inclusion of all peoples of African descent, location notwithstanding, and for no other purposes.
Roy Walker
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PRESS RELEASE
African Diaspora and Development Day (ad3) 2003
'Shaping Africa's Future – Do Young Africans in the diaspora share the dream of the African Union/NEPAD?’
On Saturday July 5th at Birkbeck College in London West End, hundreds of African individuals and their organisations will meet to raise awareness of the important contributions being made by the diaspora to Africa's development, as well as to help chart a way forward.
Surrounded by colourful African arts and crafts marketplace, music, food, plus exhibitions, stalls, African Diaspora and Development Day (ad3) will also provide an opportunity for individuals and organizations to meet with other development agencies - donors, International NGOs, and pan-African development institutions, to share information and work towards joined-up development involving all stakeholders.
Launched under the umbrella of africa21 (a coalition of 9 African organizations), this year's ad3 will focus on young Africans. It will examine the contrast between their dreams for Africa and those of the AU/NEPADstructures, currently the officially sanctioned engines for Africa’s development and growth. A research report highlighting young Africans’ perspectives of Africa will be presented for discussion. Insights and lessons will form the basis for future action.
For africa21 spokeswoman, Diana Mercorios: ‘The focus on young Africans is very crucial as they are the ones that will determine the direction and agenda for Africa in the very near future. We need to listen to our youth as they are not simply recipients of the existing ideas, they are creator and innovators. It is important neither they or us lose the connection and concern with Africa.’
Leading computer scientist and mathematician, Philip Emeagwali, dubbed ‘a father of the internet’ will provide the keynote address - an inspirational speech on how the diaspora could help narrow Africa's skills gap.
Others from UK-based African organisations, African governments, the NEPAD Secretariat/African Union, African youth and international NGOs will speak on and facilitate special workshops on issues as diverse as the role of information, communication technologies (ICTs) in development, challenging images of development, trade in primary commodities, fundraising and donor policy, and brain drain. The early birds will be able to get expert advice on careers and funding in two unique master classes.
The PEWA (People Earnestly Working for Africa) awards ceremony, acknowledging and rewarding the valuable contributions being made by Africans in the diaspora, will be launched. In the evening entertainment, featuring leading diasporic performers, will round off a day, the organisers hope will become a key feature in the calendar for Africans working for Africa’s development in the UK.
For Diana Mercorios ‘ad3 is a good opportunity for Africans in the diaspora to come together to discuss the issues that affect us. ad3 I suspect will be an opportunity for us to work together on the African agenda and have a good time.’
ad3 will be held at: Clore Management Centre, Birkbeck College, University of London Malet Street, London WC1 E7HX
* For more information or a registration document please contact:
Onyekachi Wambu 31-33 Bondway, Vauxhall Cross, London SW8 1SJ
Tel: +44(0) 20 7587 3905 Fax: +44(0) 20 7587 3919
[EMAIL PROTECTED] or check the website: www.afford-uk.org
Ends
Notes for Editors
africa21is a coalition of 9 African organizations working together. It comprises:
Abantu for Development
Africa Foundation Stone (AFS)
African Foundation for Development (AFFORD)
Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA)
Black International Construction Organisation (BICO)
Diaspora
Horn Reflections
Pastoral and Environmental Network in the Horn of Africa (PENHA)
Sierra Leone Women's Forum (SLWF)
Ends
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Programme for ad3 2003, Saturday July 5th
Time: Event
8.30-9.00 Registration, Coffee & Networking
9.00-10.30 Early Bird Masterclasses
Careers - Masterclass (CVs/volunteering/placement)
Leader: Frances Williams (Interims for Development)
Funding -Masterclass
Leader: Sulemana Abudulai (Comic Relief)/ Mike Day (Community Fund)
10.30-11.00 Opening Plenary:
Welcome and Introduction of Chair
Introduction of Keynote Speaker - Philip Emeagwali
Keynote Address: ‘Diaspora and Africa’s Skills Gap’
11.00-11.30 Introduction to Report
Presentation of Report on the Perspectives of Young Africans on Africa and Development
Key Findings and Implications
Discussion (plus input by research contributors)
11.30-11.50 Coffee Break and Exhibition
11.50-13.00 Responses to the Report - Panel comprising
UK-based African Orgainsations/NEPAD/AU/African Government reps/Young Africans/ British Government
13.00-14.00 Lunch & Market & Exhibition
14.00-14.30 PEWA Awards Ceremony
14.30- 15.45 Workshops 1) Fundraising and donor policy
2) Careers, diversity, brain drain and development
3) Gender and development
4) Development policy and diaspora input
5) The Impact of Gulf War 2 on Africa
6) Role of ICTs in development
7) Leadership in fostering Africa's development
8) Challenging images of development
9) Trade in primary commodities
10) African youth and African development
11) Developing diaspora and mainstream development linkages
12) Developing partnerships between the diaspora and Africa
16.00-16.20 Coffee and exhibition
16.20-17.30 Closing Plenary
Report Back and Recommendations
Crèche Children's dreams for Africa
Responses and Reflections
Charting the Way Forward
Goodbyes and Evaluation Forms
18.00-20.00 Networking, Performance, food, & Marketplace
