The Power of Africa

"Africa as a Stronger Actor on the International Stage"

(Paris, May 2nd - 4th, 2012)
During the conference the French presidential elections and their implications on the EU-African relations and on the French-African relations will be addressed and analyzed in depth.

Event Introduction

The Power of Africa is the third Africa related conference that is being hosted in the beginning of 2012. It will focus on the possibilities and barriers that the African countries are facing in terms of economic and political bargaining power as well as the prospect of speaking with one voice on the international stage. 

The conference will in particular address the expectations and opinions that the outside world holds of African development and how this often diverges with what might be more realistic and customized solutions on the ground. One aim of the conference is thus to debate whether alternative forms of institutional rule and economic models can be deemed more effective in Africa than the established forms of Western governance.  The conference will look at global as well as local perceptions of African leadership and development, and the bilateral trade relationships that Africa has with China and India.  Furthermore we will explore the role of the African Union as well as civil societies in enhancing interregional relations within Africa and what prospects this holds for its future international image and bargaining power.

Conference Participants »

The conference is open to applications from governmental and diplomatic officials, civil society practitioners, young professionals, students and scholars, private sector representatives, journalists, and other interested stakeholders from across the world.

If you would like to reserve a position, please click on the "Apply Now" link below:
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Certificate of Attendance

All participants will be awarded an official certificate of attendance upon completion of the program, which provides details about the speakers and topics at the conference. Each certificate will be signed by members of the ICD's Advisory Board.

Conference Locations

Based in Paris, the conference will be hosted at The French National Assembly and the Embassy of Kenya in Paris.

Conference Speakers »

Speakers during the conference will include leading figures and experts from civil society, international politics, academia, diplomacy, and the private sector from around the world. These speakers will include a number of individuals from the ICD Advisory Board.

ICD Alumni Program »

All conference participants will be invited to join the ICD alumni program. The “ICD Alumni Group” is an international network of like-minded individuals with an interest in further developing the field of cultural diplomacy through the support of intercultural relations. Participation in the group is by invitation only, and is open only to individuals who have taken part in ICD programs. Members of the ICD Alumni Group will benefit from the following opportunities. (more)

Participant Papers »

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy encourages research and progressive thought on the fields of culture, globalization and international relations, and welcomes conference participants to submit relevant papers addressing topics within these fields particular to their interests and passions. Participants can submit papers written in the past for other purposes or ongoing research, or written specifically for the conference. Groups of students are also allowed to submit collaborative pieces of work.

Conference Agenda »

The conference will focus on the possibilities and barriers that the African countries are facing in terms of economic and political bargaining power as well as the prospects of speaking with one voice on the international stage. 

The conference will in particular address the expectations and opinions that the outside world holds of African development and how this often diverges with what might be more realistic and customized solutions on the ground. One aim of the conference is thus to debate whether alternative forms of institutional rule and economic models can be deemed more effective in Africa than the established forms of Western governance.

The conference will look at global as well as local perceptions of African leadership and development, and the bilateral trade relationships that Africa has with China and India.  Furthermore we will explore the role of the African Union as well as civil societies in enhancing interregional relations within Africa and what prospects this holds for its future international image and bargaining power. (more)