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It gives me great pleasure to announce the second edition of The New York Forum AFRICA, to be held in Libreville, Gabon June 14-16, 2013, held Under the High Patronage of H.E. President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, in collaboration with the government of Gabon.
The inaugural New York Forum Africa was about recognizing Africa’s economic achievements and understanding the opportunities for business and investors. The New York Forum Africa 2013 will focus on the hard work necessary to make these opportunities a reality: How do we implement an action plan? What are the concrete next steps?
The over 600 business and political leaders that gather in Libreville will engage in intense, collaborative sessions to draw up a road map – for individual businesses as well as national policy makers – as a guide and spur to action. The 2013 New York Forum Africa will also serve as host to the annual meeting of the Heads of State of the CEMAC (Economic Community of Central African States), of which the President of Gabon is chairman this year. Therefore, attendees will have a rare opportunity to interact with Africa’s most powerful current and emerging leaders.
Last year, attendees of The New York Forum Africa spanned from over thirty two countries, and speakers included President of Benin Yayi Boni, Nobel Laureate Mohamad Yunus, Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young, Former Chair of the African Union Jean Ping, Former Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chretien, Nobel Laureate Luc Montagnier, Ariane de Rothschild, Lord Peter Mandelson, Carl Lewis, Robert DeNiro, Tegla Laroupe, Ronald Lauder, Richard Parsons, Jean-Louis Beffa, Anne Lauvergeon, Gao Xiqing, Nouriel Roubini, and Director General of UNESCO Irina Bokova.
We were also joined by several members of the Harvard Business School Class of 2012, whose thought provoking perspectives challenged the global community to leverage the potential of the next generation in shaping Africa’s future.
This year’s robust speaker and participant list will feature policy and business icons, but also a new generation of innovators and change-makers. It is this synergy of new ideas and trusted voices that will enable the next decade of economic growth, in Africa and across the globe.
I am very much looking forward to this second edition of The New York Forum AFRICA and to the dialogue and action that will help us shape the future’s agenda. I expect great things and look forward to welcoming you there.
