JUNE 8-10 PROGRAM

Richard Attias, Founder and Chairman, The New York Forum
Ali Bongo, President, Gabon

While the world's attention has been focused on economic struggles in Europe and the US, many African economies are in the midst of a period of strong growth. Do today's successes mark a new era of sustainable growth for key African economies? Are there dangers that we are witnessing a false dawn? How important has new leadership ± both political and corporate ± been to the transformation of Africa? The discussion will include the results of an exclusive survey on business in Africa commissioned for The New York Forum Africa.

A gala tribute to African music and cuisine. Artists from Africa and of African origin perform, inspiring with the rhythms and sounds of a great continent.

How do the economies of Africa's different regions compare? Are the macroeconomic fundamentals in place for sustained growth? Where do business leaders see the most promising opportunities in the coming years?

The greatest insights into someone's thinking often come from the interplay of conversation. "Conversation with..." brings together a skilled interviewer with a political leader or global thought leader for a thoughtful dialogue on the issues at the heart of The New York Forum Africa.

The New York Forum Taskforces are highly interactive, small discussion groups that will be focused on defining tangible opportunities and solutions. The outputs will be a set of practical, actionable steps for organizations' leadership teams that will be prerequisites or catalysts for success in the near and long term.

Our expert moderator will move participants into small groups, to identify opportunities and challenges on the topic. Taskforces will also include remarks from leading experts on the topic.

To jumpstart the discussions, moderators will facilitate participant dialogue. At the close of the session, the summarized list of opportunities will be discussed and participants will vote on them electronically.

What opportunities are there for businesses in the developing regional economic and trade frameworks in Africa?

Available finance at globally competitive rates is essential for African businesses. What is the current state of finance and where are the most promising developments occurring?

Natural resources remain a key economic advantage for many African economies. How can businesses and policy makers ensure that the resource trap is avoided?

Many parts of Africa have enormous potential for tourism development. What infrastructure is needed, and what different development paths for the tourism industry are there?

Technology is fundamental in today's economy. How have African companies taken advantage of technologies such as mobile telecommunications? Are there replicable lessons for other sectors?

Growing the human capital of Africa presents the greatest challenge for business and political leaders. Where are the pioneering efforts being made in education, training and skills development? What key barriers remain?

Increasing urbanization is a fact of modern economies. How can we ensure that Africa's large cities follow a growth path that is sustainable and that enhances economic progress?

Africa needs to both increase its food production for domestic consumption and take advantage of the global opportunities provided by its vast arable territory and superb growing conditions. What are the keys for development of agribusiness?

The Future Flash talks are short, sharp shocks ± provocative presentations by some of the greatest thought leaders.

Developing Africa's infrastructure is fundamental to sustainable economic growth. What are the key elements for an infrastructure strategy, and where are the best opportunities. Are public private partnerships (PPP) the best path to success?

As Africa's economy grows, so do its energy needs. Discoveries in recent years have greatly increased Africa's own energy resources, but what needs to be done to ensure sustainable development to meet the needs for many decades to come? What role does renewable energy and nuclear have to play in Africa's energy equation?

The greatest insights into someone's thinking often come from the interplay of conversation. "Conversation with..." brings together a skilled interviewer with a political leader or global thought leader for a thoughtful dialogue on the issues at the heart of The New York Forum Africa.

What are the key factors driving Chinese investment in Africa? What are the likely developments over the next several years?

Prosperous societies need to be healthy societies. What are the key health challenges for Africa?

In music and in Nollywood, Africa has shown it can be a global force in media and entertainment. What are the opportunities for growth both in the continent and globally?

Steady economic progress in Africa will demand improvements in transport infrastructure. Where are the key stumbling blocks and what routes can be mapped around them?

Chinese companies have become leading investors in many countries and sectors in Africa. In what areas will the most valuable partnerships be found? What opportunities do Chinese involvement in Africa present for African companies?

The Future Flash talks are short, sharp shocks ± provocative presentations by some of the greatest thought leaders.

Is innovation key for economic breakthrough? How can we characterize the startup culture of Africa? How can the continent's incumbent corporations face the challenge of innovation? What steps can governments take to catalyze a startup culture?

The greatest insights into someone's thinking often come from the interplay of conversation. "Conversation with..." brings together a skilled interviewer with a political leader or global thought leader for a thoughtful dialogue on the issues at the heart of The New York Forum Africa.

Africa's future will be determined by a rising generation of entrepreneurial, innovative leaders in both the private and public sectors. What vision do they have for the continent's future, and what do they ask from the current generation of leaders? The closing session will incorporate a live Q&A; session via Twitter, bringing Africa's entrepreneurs in contact with a global community of innovators.