U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Opens with Civil Society Forum

AAI President Attends Forum on Strengthening Civil Society in Africa

 

US Africa Summit opening day

AAI President Amini Kajunju attends the opening Civil Society Forum at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.

With the opening of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit on Aug. 4, a delegation from The Africa-America Institute (AAI) is in Washington attending the historic gathering of nearly 50 African Heads of State where they will actively engage with White House officials, Members of Congress and many of the African Heads of State on key issues of importance to the African continent.

The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, held from Aug. 4-6, will bring together U.S and African leaders to discuss strengthening ties between the United States and the African continent on issues such as trade and investment, promoting inclusive sustainable development, investing in young African leaders and the next generation, and peace and security.

Throughout the Summit, the AAI team will attend official US-Africa Leaders Summit Signature Events, including the Civil Society Forum, as well as a series of invitation only summit-related events and receptions.

AAI President Amini Kajunju attended the Summit’s Civil Society Forum on the opening day with US Secretary of State John Kerry. At the forum, Secretary Kerry stressed the importance of strong civil society and respect for democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

“Trust is the heart of governance, and that trust begins and ends with a strong and vibrant, inclusive, and independent civil society,” said Secretary Kerry. “That has been proven in country after country through all of history.”

US Secretary of State John Kerry delivers remarks at the US-Africa Leaders Summit's Civil Society Forum on Aug. 4.

US Secretary of State John Kerry delivers remarks at the US-Africa Leaders Summit’s Civil Society Forum on Aug. 4.

Empowered civil society is the foundation of every successful democracy worldwide, Kerry said in his remarks, adding that the most enduring relationships are not with one particular government in power for the short run.

“The legacy is really shaped by the people of a country and the people of a continent, the people of Africa who stand on principle for the long haul and who are increasingly connected to the world around them and who, therefore, aspire to greater and greater set of opportunities,” said Kerry.

For the latest updates on the US-Africa Leaders Summit, follow @aaiafrica @AminiKajunju & @mikakotai for live tweets or watch livestream: http://1.usa.gov/1s51LbB

 

Latest News

Read AAI’s digital newsletter debut issue on “Honoring History” and BHM

AAI Statement on the Passing of H.E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia

The Africa-America Institute Hosts Its 9th Annual SOE Conference on the African Diaspora