US Africa Institutean international organization established to promote strategic relations between the United States of America and Africa through education and public diplomacy, hosted ‘The State of US-Africa Relations: The People’s Summit’ on the sidelines of the US Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC from December 10 to 16.
The US-Africa Leaders Summit was organized by the US government to promote US-Africa collaboration on today’s most pressing global and regional priorities. The goal was to reflect the breadth and depth of American partnerships with African governments, businesses, civil society, and citizens—alliances based on dialogue, respect, and shared values that harness the ingenuity and creativity of our peoples.
The People’s Summit hosted a week of art, speakers, debates, workshops, panel discussions, book signings, and community conversations that engaged people of African descent both in the diaspora and on the African continent. The Summit also discussed US relations with Africa related to education, development, gender equality, democracy and peacebuilding, public diplomacy, and US foreign policy toward Africa in general.
Community organizers, civil society leaders from the US and more than 11 African countries attended.
‘We convene the People’s Summit to ensure the meaningful participation and inclusion of Africans and the voice of the African Diaspora is heard in any and all discussions on Africa. We strongly believe that the discourse on Africa must be led by Africans and, fundamentally, must include the voice of women and youth in the diaspora and on the African continent.” saying Dr Tadios Belay, President and CEO of the US Africa Institute
As part of the People’s Summit, Nyajuok Tongyik also shared her inspiring journey as a survivor of arranged child marriage and domestic violence during her “I am my mother’s wildest dream” book signing event.
“The USAI Peoples Summit side event was an important component of the Summit overall, providing a space for real engagement between African immigrants and the diaspora to share their stories and learn about the various business initiatives and organization in their localities. It is precisely this kind of civic engagement that is needed to build trust and connections between African Americans and African immigrants in order to effectively advise the newly established President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States (PAC). -ADE)”. Said Dr. Jill M. Humphries, Adjunct Assistant Professor in the African Studies Program at the University of Toledo.
The Institute also hosted a virtual panel discussion titled “The State of US-Africa Relations: Perspectives from Mandela Washington Scholarship Alumni.” The panelists were from Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Liberia. Alumni shared their work and perspectives on the state of US-Africa relations. The panel discussion was an opportunity to reflect on the role of African youth in advancing US-Africa relations, and on our shared challenges and successes in advancing peace and security, promoting economic development , trade and investment, strengthening democracy and governance, promoting opportunities and development. in Africa.
“The event hosted by the US Africa Institute was a gathering of energetic and resourceful emerging African scholars, activists, and African leaders, where the emphasis on reorienting Africans to be key to already established relationships with the United States considering the Unification of Africa through strategic projects that will put Africa in a good position. For example, Africans in the diaspora must be given equal opportunities to contribute to the development of the homeland.
One of the valuable contributions during the event is for Africans to see Africa as Africa, not as different countries under one continent, this will help shape our way of thinking and attitudes to address the many challenges such as poverty, youth unemployment , the concern of young people, gender. inequality, early child marriage, leadership, religious crisis and electoral malpractice, among others, that the homeland faces. As part of the development instrument, the US-Africa relationship must be maintained and more attention must be directed toward African youth through human skills development training to enable African youth to compete for global jobs and to cover already identified areas of skills mismatch and shortage globally without immigration restrictions.” Said Igberadja Serumu, Vice President, IVETA East and West Africa Region.
For more information about the US Africa Institute, visit http://www.usainstitute.org/
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