Africa Summit 2018 - Session II—Keynote Addresses: “New Africa”.
Mr. Adama Doumbia, the regional secretary general of UPF for Africa, was the moderator.
Speakers:
H.E. Dr. Nizar bin Obaid Madani, the minister of state for foreign affairs of Saudi Arabia, spoke about his nation’s efforts to promote dialogue and realize peace and justice. The country stands against terrorism and extremism, he said. “We all believe in the ideals of peace and freedom. Saudi Arabia has a Public Investment Fund, which supports joint African-Arab projects for human development, fighting poverty, solving conflict and standing against terrorism.”
H.E. Dioncounda Traoré, the president of Mali (2012-2013) and Africa co-chair of IAPP, pointed out that the topic has been tackled in many forums, but because UPF has a unique approach—based on the principle that we are one human family created by God—therefore “our cause at this summit is good and noble.” Africa needs the will and determination to be the “New Africa,” the president said. “New governance, leaders, local partners and international, and countries that uphold universal values, particularly integrity and honesty, are needed to guide the continent forward.”
H.E. Mahamane Ousmane, president of Niger (1993-1996), thanked Dr. Moon and the work of UPF to promote peace through interfaith dialogue, which is “so crucial for peace and to empower the family as the foundation for the society. … Africa cannot develop without peace.” The president reaffirmed the value of dialogue for interfaith cooperation and called on the participants to build a culture of peace and dialogue in their respective countries.
H.E. Maria Des Neves, prime minister (2002-2004), second vice president of the National Assembly of Sao Tomé and Principe, spoke about the importance of education, especially for youth and women. “Educating the women is educating the universe,” she said. The prime minister recommended that a “new Africa” must begin with the education of the youth. A continent with so much diversity, she said, must educate the young people on the importance of knowledge, working hard and developing self-reliance. She noted that on a map Africa appears in the shape of a question mark, so “we have to ask the question how Africa can prepare for the new age through interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values?”