The program for the Seminar is split into two parts, beginning with group workshops, seminars, and lectures from 17th – 20th January. These components will be followed by an international conference on development in Africa from 21st – 23rd January.

In addition to looking in greater detail at the history and development of cultural diplomacy, the next CDA Weeklong Seminar will focus on the issues of development and economic growth on the African continent. In particular, it will focus on the following areas:

The role of public-private-partnerships in supporting development within Africa, with a focus on the “Energy-Poverty-Action” initiative.
The role played by "economic bridges" in ensuring national and regional stability and the role young leaders can play in supporting these bridges.
New strategies for progress in healthcare, education, and water management.
The involvement of international partners in African development projects and the African economy.

The Rise of Africa: An International Conference on New Strategies and Approaches to Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa (21st – 23rd January) will take place as an integral part of the Weeklong Seminar, and will bring together expert speakers from the fields of politics, academia, and civil society for a 3 day program of lectures and panel discussions.
Once individuals have taken part in the Weeklong Seminar they will join the CDA Forum, a network of likeminded individuals from Africa and across the world who conduct activity to improve intercultural relations within Africa and between Africa and other regions.

Who can apply?
The CDA Weeklong Seminar is open to applications from students and young professionals with an active interest in the African continent and international affairs.

What will the Weeklong Seminar involve?
The program for the Weeklong Seminar will consist of lectures, seminars, workshops, and cultural activities in and around Berlin. The participants will meet with leading figures from the fields of economics, politics, academia and civil society to discuss the role of economic interdependence and cultural exchange in strengthening and supporting relations within African and between Africa and other regions.

Speakers at previous Weeklong Seminars included representatives from the German Federal Foreign Office, the German Parliament, the European Commission, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), KfW Development Bank, and the Embassies of Lesotho, Tanzania, Rwanda, Egypt, Mozambique and Malawi in Berlin.

What are the aims of the Weeklong Seminar?
The Seminars aim to prepare the participants for the development of their own activity that will strengthen intercultural relations within African and between Africa and other regions. The program will also aim to raise awareness amongst the group of salient issues relating to politics, development, and the economy within African.

What happens after the Seminar?
After completing the Weeklong Seminars the participants become members of the CDA Forum. They are then supported by the ICD in conducting research, in organising and developing leadership initiatives, and are invited to join the ICD Online Forum where they can network with the other Young Leaders from around the world.

More information about the Seminar, including brochures, timetables, and the online application forms, can be found under: www.culturaldiplomacy.org/cda

For questions relating to the Weeklong Seminar, please contact us under cda@culturaldiplomacy.org