By Myriam Munezero and Grace Chung
Over 21 nationalities under the Think Africa’s membership brought to us the biggest Africa and African-diaspora inspired event in 2020 in Helsinki. The main theme of the event was “The Africa We Want”; with a focus on the unity, prosperity, culture, and community desired. In the case that you missed it, the live stream video of the week-long hybrid event is still available on their Facebook page.
The event included speeches by Pekka Haavisto, Foreign Minister of Finland who highlighted the importance of the African diaspora in the Finland-Africa Strategy as well as in the peace and conflict resolution in African countries. In addition, the Ambassador Bonny Haufiku also gave a passionate speech calling on all African diaspora in Finland to unite for a stronger impact, and that Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora must be the ones to build the Africa They Want.
The event attracted diverse participants, from government officials, entrepreneurs, investors, to researchers, civil society actors, youths, performers, and volunteers:
The week consisted of five events:
● A featured side event in collaboration with SAIS II Programme spotlighting 18 startups from 5 companies pitching contemporary innovations,
● An inspiring opening ceremony on the “Power of Impact” that had the right composition of intriguing discussions, performances, and exhibitions,
● Realising the UN SDG 9 and enhancing skills and capacity of a “Next Generation” of Innovators,
● Building bridges of trust for effective collaboration across cultures, and
● Harnessing “Our power to Empower” (a youth empowerment oriented event).
For the first time and largely due to Covid-19, all events of Think Africa Week 2020 (#TAWeek20) were live-streamed via Facebook; which meant that ANYONE from anywhere on the globe could attend virtually and engage with Think Africa Week. The livestream videos reached an approximate 15 000 viewers from Finland and African countries such as Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, and Tunisia.
Think Africa Week 2020 also highlighted the rich African Culture, and the Unity We aspire to.
“I was immersed in and got to experience different cultures from different parts of Africa such as Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, Senegal especially through the beautiful performances and exhibitions. It was a great mix of entertainment and discussions.” commented a participant at one of the events.
The event called on all of us, whether African or not to play our part. “Nothing starts big, all that is needed are small steps taken together to build the future that we want, the Africa that we want.” said Think Africa’s Chairperson, Myriam Munezero
To be part of the change you wish to see, join the team at Think Africa at www.thinkafrica.fi
