“Our humanity is contingent on the humanity of our fellows. No person or group can be human alone. We rise above the animal together, or not at all.”
Chinua Achebe
We’ve heard it many times; the world will not be the same after the pandemic. Personally, the standout lesson has been the importance of staying connected to loved ones and to a community. Whilst access to healthcare and technology has helped some communities manage the crisis, we’ve seen stark differences in how people and communities have weathered the storm. On one hand, optimists such as myself believe the pandemic has and will force us to rethink inequality and global access to resources, whilst some realists believe the pandemic will further entrench the division that already exists. From 27 November – 4 December 2021, Think Africa’s annual flagship event, Think Africa Week, will focus on the optimism of building a bright future together. I, for one, look forward to turning my face towards the proverbial sun.
Cooperating with hope
As the world continues to navigate the ongoing pandemic with governments, organisations and citizens looking towards the future, there is hope. The task at hand is rebuilding communities, economies and connections for a future that is more inclusive, resilient and equitable. The pandemic has certainly highlighted the need for more intentional multi stakeholder cooperation towards a more connected society. The diverse speakers at the Think Africa Week 2021 events will share inspirational messages of opportunity and hope. For example, I am eager to attend the panel discussion: Connectedness: A conversion with youths of African descent to hear African descent youth’s perspectives of the future.
Finding new solutions
Since volunteering with Think Africa, I have been exposed to the importance of a community when trying to solve some of society’s challenges. Crises such as the pandemic lead people to search for new ways to do things. The ability for many communities to function, and in some cases even excel, during the pandemic is a testament to the resilience that can prevail in a crisis. Think Africa’s five day event will uncover opportunities for individuals, organisations, and the Finnish society at large to continue building a more functional and accepting society, in support of the Finland-Africa strategy. An intriguing keynote topic, “EU is no longer the main host for migration”, by the Ambassador of Morocco in Finland and Estonia promises to present a fresh viewpoint of how we’ve typically viewed migration.
An inclusive conversation
The pandemic has shed a light on the urgent need for inclusivity in policy discussions as well as the contribution of grass root experiences. During the Think Africa Week 2021, conversations such as the Inclusion and Solutions for building good relations panel discussion will probe how to include and connect members of the Finnish society, regardless of their background. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to network with diverse stakeholders in the African diaspora, governmental as well as non governmental organisations, companies and individuals. A critical point of discussion will be held during Day 3 when the question of how to concretely involve and engage the African diaspora will result in a concrete strategy for diaspora engagement in the Finland-Africa Strategy.
Showcasing the talent and entrepreneurship of Africa
There is no better way to connect a community than through innovation, music and dancing. Think Africa Week 2021 will celebrate the diversity of cultures through performances as well as showcase products and innovations at exhibition booths throughout the week.
The future of Africa’s startup ecosystem is bright. It is filled with entrepreneurs displaying unbridled resourcefulness, unbelievable talent, and unlimited potential. Day 4 of the week is a Slush side event that will include an exciting startup pitching competition. I might be a little biased and rooting for any Namibian startups, but if last year’s SAIS Boost Up event is anything to go by, there is some seriously tough competition to be expected.
(Re)connecting
Whether attending in-person or virtually, this is an opportunity to be part of the conversation and action of building African diaspora and Finnish resilience through mutually beneficial connections. I look forward to the opportunity to physically network with a community that I have until recently only connected with virtually.
You can learn more about each event’s speakers, performers and the full event schedule on http://www.thinkafricaweek.fi/ or by following Think Africa on social media.
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