On 10 June, the IRI attended the 3rd Africa Together conference commemorating Africa Day at the University of Cambridge, UK, the theme of which was “engendering an inclusive Africa”. The conference explored how various institutions and individuals have devised adequate solutions to the challenges on the continent in a creative and sustainable manner, driven by a commitment to achieve the highest aspirations.
Following the keynote address by Dr Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), several panel discussions were organized with exceptional pools of distinguished speakers and participants. Throughout the day, speakers and participants discussed the role of businesses in Africa’s inclusive growth and the continent’s resources. Panels were also organized to discuss “decolonised education” and the role of African Voices in telling stories with some of the most brilliant and passionate people to share ideas, insights and experiences.
Fadumo Qasim Dayib, presidential candidate in Somalia, who was accompanied by a number of African women in leadership roles, was a member of a panel discussing women leadership and how women can redefine the meaning of leadership in Africa.
Imruh Bakari, the Reverend Tyolumun Kingaa-Upaa, and Professor Tariq Ramadan from the University of Oxford stressed the role of religiosity and spirituality in Africa’s development.
Tarik Choho, CEO of OCP Africa, and Dr Precious Molio-Motsepe, Deputy, Chairman and CEO of Motsepe Foundation, also delivered keynote addresses in which they both explored strengths and opportunities for the future of the African continent.
Considering that 28 African countries are member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the IRI aims to be a powerful tool for sustainable development and growth to help businesses and organizations meet international standards such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to build bridges among different communities to foster inclusive development.
Africa Together was an invitation to deconstruct the headlines and critically engage with what is shaping the present and the future of the African continent. It was also a moment to celebrate the success of the African continent as well as its Diaspora.
The conference was organized by the African Society of Cambridge University (ASCU) in collaboration with the Cambridge Union Society, the University of Cambridge, Africa Together, the African Society of Cambridge University and Cambridge Africa.
