Columbia University Presents The 7th Annual African Diplomatic Forum: The New Frontier of African Leadership

New York, NY November 4, 2013 – Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) presents the 7th Annual African Diplomatic Forum (ADF) to be held at SIPA on Friday November 22nd, 2013 from 9:00AM to 6:00PM.

From modest beginnings, the African Diplomatic Forum has grown to be one of the largest Africa- focused events at SIPA. Given the unique location of New York City, and the prestigious standing of Columbia University in the international community, the African Diplomatic Forum has in previous years hosted a number of important scholars, policy makers and development practitioners, including the former Prime Minister of Guinea, Dr. Ahmed Tidiane Souaré, HE Ambassador Macharia Kamau, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya, Dr. Sarah Cliffe, Special Advisor, Civilian Capacities Review, UN, and many other distinguished guests.Organized by SIPA’s Pan African-Network (SPAN), this year's conference is themed The New Frontier of African Leadership.

A new generation of leaders in Africa is grappling with a number of challenges, old and new, across the continent. In the public sector, good governance paradigms are shifting and democratic processes are taking hold, yet problems of electoral corruption and public mistrust remain. In the private sector, foreign direct investment and liberal economic reform are on the rise at the same time that resource exploitation and the merits of local versus foreign market control are debated. Leaders in the non-profit and social welfare sectors must grapple with the changing role of foreign aid, emerging micro-finance and social enterprises, and the capacity of local organizations to combat poverty, health, hunger and education related problems. New media and technology are changing the way millions of Africans communicate and connect with one another on a slew of social and economic issues.

This conference will focus on how the nature of African leadership across the aforementioned sectors and in the different industries and levels of government among them is changing in response to these new challenges and opportunities.Conference events will include the ADF Launch Party on November 7, 2013 at M1-5 Lounge (52 Walker Street, New York, NY), and a networking session on the evening of November 22nd . Registration is now open via our website. Please visit us for the latest updates.