The intention of the Bandung Africa 2023 conference was to support the initiatives of civil society in the region by adding the voice of various human rights and climate change activists, and genuine conservationists on the continent, and in the African diaspora to support the work of those on the Continent. In that regard the theme of the conference was: “Empowering African Freedom, Justice and Growth. African Solutions for Global Problems.”

The Conference was intended as the mechanism by which a strategic bridge can be used to establish and facilitate the exchange of talent, academic material and research, and expertise, matching the needs of the continent with the resources available within the diaspora communities.

Hence the goals of the 5th Annual Bandung Africa conference were as follows:

1. Influence the Outcome of COP 28: The conference aims to build on the 2022 “Climate Change Declaration” with the specific goal of influencing the outcome of COP 28, which will be held in Dubai immediately following the conference. Further together with other climate change activists attend the event in Dubai so an African voice is heard and listened to.
2. Set the campaign strategy for 2024: The conference will set the campaign strategy for 2024, challenging former colonial governments to address reparations in a constructive manner. This highlights the focus on historical injustices and advocacy for reparations.
3. Restoration of Benin Bronzes and discussionst on what happened after restoration: Another goal is to identify mechanisms to work with the Kenyan Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, the African Union, and other institutions to restore historical artefacts and human remains to their rightful place on the continent.
4. Empower Local Economies and Diaspora Engagement: The conference aims to create mechanisms for diaspora investors and entrepreneurs to work with their counterparts in East Africa and West Africa to empower local economies. This also involves building political links between the Diaspora and their counterparts at the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade and Investment in Nigeria, Diaspora Directorate, and parallel institutions and Government entities across East Africa and West Africa.

Download BA Conference 2023 Report