Afrika seminar: Afrika – udfordringer og muligheder

TIME: Tuesday, 30 October 13.00 – 14.30

VENUE: Auditorium 7, Centre of African Studies, Købmagergade 46, 1150 Copenhagen K

TIME: Tuesday, 30 October 13.00 – 14.30

VENUE: Auditorium 7, Centre of African Studies, Købmagergade 46, 1150 Copenhagen K

The classic image of Africa as a hopeless continent has been replaced by optimism after a number of African countries had experienced high economic growth and democratization. In spite of the often misunderstood generalization of Africa, there are big differences between countries and within countries. Most African countries are facing new challenges related to the environment and climate, economic inequality, urban-rural dynamics, etc.

The point of departure for the seminar is the question about how the new Danish strategy for development cooperation, ‘The Right to a Better Life’, can contribute to solve the current challenges in Africa. Human rights and economic growth are central to the strategy but growth should be green and promote social progress in order for it to contribute to improving the lives of poor people and their ability to create a better life for themselves.

Christian Friis Bach is Minister for Development Cooperation and a member of the Danish Parliament for The Social Liberal Party. He holds a PhD from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University and is Affiliated Professor of international economics and development, University of Copenhagen, from 2009 to 2014.

He has been International Director in DanChurchAid 2005-2010 and has among other things been Special adviser to EU Commissioner Connie Hedegaard (UN Global Sustainability Panel), Chairman of the Danish Association for International Cooperation and member of the Africa Commission.