The international conference on Africa and Globalization: Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future was organized jointly by UNU and UNESCO from 28-29 September 2009 in Tokyo, Japan
The international conference on Africa and Globalization: Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future was organized jointly by UNU and UNESCO from 28-29 September 2009 in Tokyo, Japan.
It provided the opportunity for some 30 leading personalities – governmental decision-makers, including several former heads of state, world-renowned experts and civil society representatives – to share their visions of Africa’s role and position in the future global system, while looking back on the lessons learned during the past 50 years since decolonization.
Attention was focused on charting the future of Africa based on its development experiences and accomplishments, and the impact of the recent financial crisis through a dedicated leadership forum with several former Presidents: Alpha Konaré, former Chair of the Commission for the African Union and former President of Mali; John Kufuor, former President of Ghana; Sam Nujoma, former President of Namibia; Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria; and António Eanes, former President of Portugal. Eminent speakers from academia, the business community, government and civil society elaborated upon the vision espoused by the leaders, drawing on their own experience and expertise. The link to the online publication presents the proceedings of this important conference.