The Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) convened the 2023 Global Africa People-to-People forum on 21 July 2023. In what has become an annual event following a similar forum held in July 2022, the event was convened with support from Caribbean Pan African Network (CPAN), Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (ESCTT) and Reform Initiatives.
The Global Africa People to People Forum is an initiative that aims to bring people from diverse backgrounds and regions within Africa and the African diaspora to exchange ideas, share experiences, and foster collaboration. This year’s forum was convened under the theme, “Propelling Major Pan-African Breakthroughs in 2023.”
Held virtually via Zoom, the 2023 Forum advanced the collective interests of people of African heritage, while fostering strategic partnerships and promoting cross-cultural exchanges. The forum was also a platform for youth to come up with African-led solutions to the complex challenges, problems and crises confronting the African continent and its diaspora. The forum was convened to address the partnership between the African Export/Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Reparations Campaign, the First Africa-CARICOM Summit, the United Nations’ Permanent Forum for People of African Descent and the issues around Haiti.
The forum had high-level participation from the Caribbean region and across Africa including, H.E Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; H.E Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent & Grenadines; H.E Epsy Campbell Bar, Chairperson and Central America Representative of Costa Rica; Dr Carla Barnett, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Mr Khalid Boudali ECOSOCC Presiding Officer; Dr Kafra Kambon, Coordinator, Caribbean Pan-African Network (CPAN), Ambassador David Commissiong Chairperson of CPAN and Mr. William Carew, Head of the ECOSOC Secretariat.
The Global Africa People to People Forum focuses on addressing common challenges and finding innovative solutions to promote sustainable development, social cohesion, and cultural exchange among African communities worldwide. This year’s forum further drew participation from youth across Africa and the Caribbean region.
ECOSOCC and the Global Africa People to People Forum play significant roles in promoting inclusivity, dialogue, and cooperation among diverse stakeholders within Africa and its diaspora. These efforts contribute to shaping policies and initiatives that address the continent's various social, economic, and cultural issues while fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among its constituents.
