"UMOJA: The Gathering of all African Nations"

Strengthening Inter-Cultural and International Relations in Africa through Cultural Diplomacy

African Summit, Berlin; October 23th - 26th, 2012
Much of the African continent has been plagued by conflict over the past century; Wars of independence, civil wars, colonial wars, and violent conflicts between nation states have left deep scars across nations and peoples. Many conflicts are still on-going: Since 2010 the eight northernmost countries on the continent have hosted violent protests and bloody attempts to suppress them as part of the Arab Spring, while other conflicts can be identified in states including Sudan, Chad, Somalia, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Whilst there is frequent debate on the triggers of these conflicts, and how they can be resolved in the short term, less attention is given to the intercultural divisions that play a key role in causing and maintaining the hostilities and which must be overcome in order to achieve lasting stability.

Whilst there is frequent debate on the triggers of these conflicts, and how they can be resolved in the short term, less attention is given to the intercultural divisions that play a key role in causing and maintaining the hostilities and which must be overcome in order to achieve lasting stability.

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy has established the program "Umoja (Unity in Swahili)" to explore and highlight the importance of intercultural relations based on dialogue, understanding, and trust to the future of the African continent. "Umoja" is an African Summit that will promote cultural diplomacy within and between African cultures and nation states. The Summit will bring together participants from across Africa, as well as interested stakeholders from the wider international community.

Through a program of interactive lectures and discussions, debates, as well as cultural and artistic components, "Umoja" will provide a platform for frank and open exchange on a range of diverse political, economic, and cultural issues. The Conference will create and provide a proposal document that will be presented to the AU and the international community on how to strengthen Inter-Cultural and International Relations in Africa through Cultural Diplomacy. In additional the conference will examine different examples and best practices of Cultural Diplomacy that might be applied in different contexts.

Conference Speakers

Speakers during the conference will include leading figures and experts from international politics, academia, diplomacy, civil society and the private sector from across the world. These speakers will include a number of individuals from the ICD Advisory Board (for further information about the Advisory Board please click here).

Conference Participants & Delegates »

Participation in the conference is open to governmental & diplomatic officials, academics & scholars, economists, journalists, artists, civil society practitioners, private sector representatives, young professionals, students, and other interested stakeholders from Africa and across the world.

If you would like to reserve your place and participate in the conference, please click on the "Apply Now" link below and fill out the online application form:

Certificate of Attendance

All participants will be awarded a certificate of attendance once the conference has finished. This will provide details of the speakers and topics at the conference, and will be signed by members of the ICD's Advisory Board

ICD Alumni Program »

All conference participants will be invited to join the ICD Alumni Group. 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 an ICD program. Members of the ICD Alumni Group will benefit from the following opportunities (more)

Conference Agenda »

During the conference, the following Themes and Issues will be explored:
  • Constructing a Template for Dialogue through Cultural Diplomacy
  • Moving Beyond Aid Dependency: From Reliance to Sustainable Development
  • Africa's Role in the Next World Order: Turning Resources into Security and Development
  • Cultural Diplomacy and the Future of the African Continent