EU-Africa Forum: Advancing Cultural Diplomacy for Sustainable Development and International Partnership
Cultures in Dialogue: Building Bridges Through Cultural Diplomacy for Cooperation and Development
October 23rd, 2024
From October 24th to 26th, 2024, Berlin will host the highly anticipated EU-Africa Forum on Cultural Diplomacy, a pivotal event designed to foster stronger relations between Europe and Africa through the powerful tool of cultural diplomacy. Organized by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD), the forum brings together distinguished diplomats, policymakers, academics, and cultural leaders to explore the role of culture in promoting international cooperation, sustainable development, and mutual understanding.
As part of the ICD’s broader "Experience Africa" program, the forum aims to highlight the importance of cultural partnerships in addressing social and economic challenges, while building bridges between nations. The program seeks to promote development across Africa and encourage collaboration between cultural groups and governments on both continents.
Day 1 took place at the ICD House of Arts and Culture, with an afternoon filled with presentations. Amb. Dr. M'Baimba Lamin Baryoh discussed the role of cultural diplomacy as a bridge between Europe and Africa, followed by a session with Amb. Toro Justin Ouoro, who addressed the challenges and perspectives of cultural diplomacy in EU-Africa relations. Other highlights included a presentation by Hon. Agho Oliver Bamenju, who explored African leadership styles in the context of democracy, and Chargé d’affaires Cofie Séna Rodrigue WOUSSIDO on the role of cultural partnerships in sustainable development.
Day 2 shifted to the German Parliament, where prominent figures such as Dr. Stefan Kaufmann (German Parliament), Ms. Sarah Bernardy (Federal Foreign Office), and Ambassador Dr. Karl-Erik Norrman (European Cultural Parliament) engaged in discussions about the importance of international cooperation between the EU and Africa. The day concluded with a keynote address by Amb. Aliou Barry and a screening of the Malaysian film "Ola Bola", followed by a cultural evening reception featuring traditional Malaysian cuisine.
Day 3 offered participants a cultural excursion to the Humboldt Forum, a renowned cultural center in Berlin that houses significant collections from Africa. The visit provided an opportunity for deeper reflection on Europe’s colonial past and its ongoing relationship with the African continent.
References
- https://www.experience-africa.de/index.php?en_home https://www.experience-africa.de/index.php?en_home
