President Obama in August will welcome leaders from across the African continent to the Nation’s Capital for a three-day U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the first such event of its kind.

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This Summit, the largest event any U.S. President has held with African heads of state and government, will build on the President’s trip to Africa in the summer of 2013 and it will strengthen ties between the United States and one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing regions. Specifically, the August 4-6 Summit will advance the Administration’s focus on trade and investment in Africa and highlight America’s commitment to Africa’s security, its democratic development, and its people. At the same time, it will highlight the depth and breadth of the United States’ commitment to the African continent, advance our shared priorities and enable discussion of concrete ideas to deepen the partnership. At its core, this Summit is about fostering stronger ties between the United States and Africa.

The theme of the Summit is “Investing in the Next Generation.” Focusing on the next generation is at the core of a government’s responsibility and work, and this Summit is an opportunity to discuss ways of stimulating growth, unlocking opportunities, and creating an enabling environment for the next generation.

US-Africa Leaders Summit 2014 – Washington DC. August 4-6, 2014

More info: http://www.whitehouse.gov/us-africa-leaders-summit

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This past 12th of September 2013, Ambassadors of the Pan-African Council arrived in the Republic of Colombia to join more than 300 mayors from Sub-Saharan Africa and of African descent from the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America to focus on strengthening the exchange between Africa and the diaspora for prosperity and economic development.

The 2013 World Summit of Mayors & Leaders of Africa and African Descent, held in the cities of Santiago de Cali and Cartagena, was hosted by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon and co-organized by the US-based National Conference of Black Mayors (NCBM), Colombia’s National Association of Mayors and Governors of Municipalities and Departments with Afro-Descendant (Amunafro) and the Colombia Presidential Agency for International Cooperation.

Renown Colombian Dr. Raul Cuero, scientist in the field of molecular genetics, one of the main speakers at the World Summit emphasized the importance of developing education processes where creativity and innovation are the focal points, stating that “before we think in terms of having, we have to think in terms of being, for creativity in service of humanity is the main force behind the place where I stand now. That is why I suggest to parents to cultivate and support their children’s creativity. It is fundamental that they allow them to grow as human beings and put their knowledge to the service of others so they can achieve their dreams and make their mark in their community.”

Nigeria Renteria, Colombia’s High Councilor for Gender Equality, called the event “momentous for [the city of] Cali and the world.” This important event brings together the world’s African and Afro-Descendant leaders to analyze the contributions and the role of Africans and people of African descent in the development of their respective countries.