Minnesota Africans United celebrated the Africa Day in Paris, France, by partnering with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World’s Fair Bid Committee Educational Fund to create a program to support two-way trade opportunities between African countries and the African Diaspora in Paris, France. The event convened key speakers from the African diasporic and business communities, public service leaders, migration experts, and representatives of the African diplomatic corps in Paris
Basil Ajuo and Mark Ritchie convene a panel of Minnesota Leaders to Celebrate Africa Day, May 25, 2023 in Paris at the OECD.
Secretary-General Mathias Cormann introduces the Africa Day Symposium marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the African Union, Economic and Social Impacts of Diaspora-Led Two-Way Trade and Investment, he highlighted the following benefits of the symposium:
The opportunity to recognize the contribution that African diaspora communities make to their new home countries and to their countries of origin bringing business, policymakers, and diaspora communities together to identify all the different ways and the tools we have to make the most out of this contribution.
the OECD is working with member and non-member countries to maximize the contribution of migration, including diaspora communities, to growth and sustainable development.
Harnessing Migrants' Skills in OECD Countries
By better understanding the contribution of diaspora and returning migrants to their origin country
By enabling contributions by the diaspora to development financing efforts
By including migrants and diaspora in the design of development cooperation policies
Closing remarks: Well-designed policy frameworks can help diaspora and migrant communities reach their potential in contributing to growth and development in both their destination and origin communities.
OECD PROGRAM INCLUDED
Basil Ajuo, President/CEO, Minnesota Africans United- Opening Remarks. Please see the link to his remarks
Session 1 > Minnesota Diaspora Leader Panel Discussion
Khadija Ali- President/CEO, Global Language Connections
Efe Ukala- Founder/ImpactHER
Abdirahman Kahin- Founder/Owner- Afro Deli and Grill, U.S. Small Business Association Businessperson of the Year (2023)
Dr. Chris Brooks- Co-founder/Managing Partner- Brown Venture Group
Session 2 > African Union Leader Panel Discussion
Driss el-Yazami- President, Council of Moroccan Community living abroad.
Issiaka Konate- General Consul, Cote d'Ivoire in France
H.E. Ambassador Namira Negm- Director, African Observatory of Migration
Ragnheidur Elin Arnadottir- Director, Development Centre, OECD
Mark Ritchie- Co-founder, USA Expo 2027 Bid; Board Chair, World's Fair Bid Committee Educational Fund
MAU Delegation also participated in the celebration of Africa Day which was organized by UNICEF in Paris, France.
COUNTDOWN TO THE OFFICIAL VOTE IN PARIS ON JUNE 21ST ON DAY 2 OF THE 172ND BUREAU INTERNATIONAL DES EXPOSITIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Minnesota Africans United and the World's Fair Bid Committee Educational Fund will be back in Paris in advance of the vote connecting with African leaders.
Minnesota Africans United will be participating in the Minnesota Expo 2027 Bid Committee 172nd General Assembly Vote activities.
Please see the most recent news link from Pioneer Press spotlighting what MAU has been doing to bring the World Expo to Minnesota