In cooperation with:
Cultural Diplomacy in Africa: A Forum for Young Leaders

The Next Weeklong Seminar will take place in Berlin, from 05th - 11th December 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 (more)








Program Director: Katharina Müller, Izelle Wagner, 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, taking place in Berlin, Germany. The goal of the Weeklong Seminar is to educate and train the participants 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 the vibrant Berlin.

Once they have joined the CDA Forum, members are supported by the ICD in organizing leadership initiatives, conducting academic research, and are invited to join the ICD Online Forum - enabling them to share information and communicate with likeminded individuals across the world.

The application form for the next Weeklong Seminar can be accessed by clicking on “Seminar Application Form” on the left-hand-side or by clicking “Apply Now!” below.

Next Weeklong Seminar

As activity within and outside Africa to meet the Millennium Development Goals continues, it is clear that there remain many challenges that must be met, in particular in the areas of security, employment, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Efforts to make advancements in these fields are dependent not only on a sustained effort by the stakeholders involved, but also require strong and effective governance from African leaders. With the 2010 World Cup due to start in South Africa in June, the ICD is pleased to announce its forthcoming Weeklong Seminar for "Cultural Diplomacy in Africa: A Forum for Young Leaders", which will take place in Berlin from 11th – 18th June 2010. On this special occasion the program will focus on the following subject:

"The Development Game: Solving Problems and Creating Opportunities for a Stronger Continent"

In addition to looking in greater detail at the history and development of cultural diplomacy, the next CDA Weeklong Seminar will focus on current and future issues facing Africa and how these will affect its future development.

In particular, the next CDA Weeklong Seminar will focus on the following areas:

  • The power of sport: The 2010 FIFA World Cup and its impact on the continent
  • Celebrating 50 years of independence: The history and development of Africa over the past five decades
  • Africa's challenges and opportunities in meeting the Millennium Development Goals, with a particular focus on climate change, political and economic stability, and sustainable development
  • The role of supranational economic unions in stabilizing the African continent, and the potential influence of a stronger African Union
  • African markets as a target for foreign investment, and the impact of such investment on African development. Cameroon will be considered as a case study
  • The involvement of international organizations and corporations in Africa and their influence on the continent's development and economy
  • Emerging new models for African governance and development
  • The African Diaspora and its role in the development of Africa
  • The importance of Cultural Diplomacy and soft power in strengthening relations between African nations and within nations themselves;

Speakers

The speakers during the program will include leading figures from the fields of politics and diplomacy, development, academia, civil society, and representatives from the private sector.

Participants

The participants will include young professionals and students, academic scholars, political and diplomatic representatives, civil society practitioners, journalists, and individuals from the private sector from across the world.

Sustainable Network

Participants of the Congress will become part of a growing international network of people from across the world with different fields of interest and levels of experience who share a commitment to intercultural exchange. Participants will be able to remain in touch with each other through the ICD Network.

Certificate of Attendance

The participants of the Congress will be awarded an official certificate of attendance at the end of the program. This certificate will confirm attendance and provide details of the speakers who took part during the week and the topics discussed.