In cooperation with:

The Lesotho Embassy Berlin
Cultural Diplomacy in Africa: A Forum for Young Leaders

The next CDA Weeklong Seminar will take place in Berlin from 17th - 23rd January, 2010
The "Cultural Diplomacy in Africa: A Forum for Young Leaders" is under the patronage of Sir James Mancham, Founding President of the Republic of Seychelles and member of the ICD Advisory Board
Program Director: Katharina Müller, Abba Lang, Yuri Sonderberg
E-Mail: cdaculturaldiplomacyorg

Cultural Diplomacy in Africa: A Forum for Young Leaders (CDA) is a network of young, dynamic individuals from across the world, who share an interest in the African continent. The program is based on the recognition that cultural diplomacy represents an important tool in helping Africa to address the challenges it currently faces. The network conducts ongoing activity aimed at supporting development and strengthening relations between different countries and cultural groups within Africa, and between African and external partners.

Individuals can join the CDA Forum by taking part in one of the CDA Weeklong Seminars, which are held in Berlin every 4 months. The goal of the Weeklong Seminars is to train and prepare the participants so that they are able to organize their own programs in the future. Each CDA Weeklong Seminar will be focused on a specific theme related to the African continent and the goals of the Forum. These Weeklong Seminars include lectures, seminars, and workshops lead by experts from the fields of politics, academia, and civil society, as well as cultural and social activities. In addition to raising awareness amongst the participants of the field of cultural diplomacy and salient issues concerning the African continent, the week also provides an opportunity to network and experience Berlin.

Participants of the next CDA weeklong seminar will take part in the “The Rise of Africa" Conference in which the aforementioned topics shall be explored and discussed in more depth with a focus on economic perspectives. For more information on the conference please click here.

The next CDA Weeklong Seminar will take place in Berlin, 17th - 23rd January, 2010 and will focus on the following theme:

Africa and the Global Economy: Creating Opportunities and Development Strategies

In addition to looking in greater detail at the history and development of cultural diplomacy, the next CDA Weeklong Seminar will focus on the issues of development and economic growth in the African continent. In particular, it will focus on the following areas
  • Africa’s progress in meeting the Millennium Development Goals
  • The role played by "economic bridges" in ensuring national and regional stability and the role young leaders can play in supporting them
  • The involvement of international partners in African development projects and the African economy
  • The role played by art and sports in fostering understanding and encouraging economic growth and interdependence
  • The importance of soft power and cultural diplomacy in strengthening relations between African nations
  • Positive and negative influences of natural resources on intercultural relations and business opportunities
  • Developing young leader’s initiatives