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Black Tie International Magazine:
African
Renaissance and Diaspora Network , NYC |
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Amb. Leililtova - Santos,
Philippines, Gilbert Rochon,
Amb. Michela Swallow, Sierra Leone,
Dr. Djibril Diallo
, Dr.Vickie Casanova-Willis |
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Africa Day
2026 Programme
May 26, 2026
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Conference Room 1, United Nations Headquarters
Report
and Pictures: Blacktiemagazine/Gerard Mc Keon
Background and Context
Africa Day, commemorated annually on 25 May,
marks the founding of the Organization of African
Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU). It provides
an opportunity to reflect on Africa’s progress while
mobilizing action around the continent’s priorities
and Agenda 2063.
The 2026 Africa Day Commemoration at the United
Nations
is convened by
the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN)
and co-sponsored by
the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to
the United Nations,
the African Union,
the Office of the African Union to the United
Nations in New York,
and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The 2026 United Nations commemoration took place on
Tuesday, 26 May, to facilitate broad participation
from Member States, United Nations entities, civil
society organizations, youth leaders,
and development partners.
This year’s commemoration aligns with the African
Union’s 2026 theme:
"Assuring Sustainable Water Availability
and Safe Sanitation Systems
to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063."
Water, sanitation, and hygiene remain central to
Africa’s development agenda. They shape public
health, education, food security, gender equality,
economic opportunity, and resilience. Despite
progress across the continent, millions of people,
particularly in underserved communities, continue to
lack access to safe water and sanitation services.
Young people are central to advancing solutions.
Youth are not only beneficiaries of development but
also leaders, innovators,
and drivers of practical action.
Africa Day 2026 also takes place in the
lead-up to
the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games,
the first Olympic event ever hosted on African soil.
This historic milestone creates an opportunity to
position youth leadership, sport, and international
partnership at the center of Africa’s development
journey.
The commemoration will also highlight the Red Card
Campaign, which calls for giving a red card to all
forms of violence and discrimination against women
and girls. Anchored in the values of sport and
aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, the
Campaign promotes positive masculinity, youth
engagement, and social transformation in the lead-up
to Dakar 2026.
Together, these elements position Africa Day 2026 as
an important platform connecting youth leadership,
gender equality, sustainable development, and
practical solutions in water and sanitation.
Programme
1
Dr. Vickie Casanova-Willis, Office of HBCU Development and International
Cooperation, Moderator, brings the programme to
order, delivers introductory remarks, and
introduces:
Dr. Djibril Diallo, A Former Spokesperson for the
President of the United Nations General Assembly,
currently President & CEO of the African Renaissance
and Diaspora Network (ARDN).
2
Remarks by Dr. Djibril Diallo.
3
H.E. Mr. Imran Kanu, Permanent Representative of
Sierra Leone to the United Nations and Co-Sponsor of
the Africa Day Programme,
delivers welcome remarks.
4)
Statement on behalf of the Executive Director of UNFPA.
5
Ambassador of Mauritius (TBD), Chair of the
African Group for the month of May, delivers
remarks.
6
Video Statement by Mr. Li Nan,
Secretary-General, China Brand Innovation
Development Project, Beijing, China.
7
Dr. Djibril Diallo speaks on the Red Card Campaign
and its connection to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic
Games and youth leadership.
8
Video Statement by Mr. Martin Wang, Founder and
President of Global City Connect (GCC), Beijing,
China.
Intervention connected to GCC Africa and the
City
Hubs framework, highlighting opportunities for
city-to-city cooperation, diaspora engagement, and
investment partnerships linked to Africa and
the
Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games legacy agenda.
9
Video Message by H.E. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula,
Special Envoy of the African Union Commission on
Women, Peace and Security, and Former Foreign
Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Introduced by Ms. Fatou Sombie, Advisor, African
Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United
Nations, Coordinator, AWLN.
10
Dakota Grant speaks on On the Road to Dakar
and presents video presentation.
11
Richard Gant speaks on Artificial
Intelligence and its role in filmmaking and presents
two short AI films.
12
Remarks by Dr. Gilbert Rochon, Interim Distinguished
Professor and Interim Director, Mickey Leland Center
on Hunger, Poverty and World Peace, Houston, Texas,
Co-Chair, ARDN Higher Education Initiative, on the
role of HBCUs in advancing the Sustainable
Development Goals with reference to the theme of
Africa Day.
13
Gordon Tapper speaks on a project supporting access to clean water and
sanitation for an orphanage in rural Sierra Leone.
(5 min) LIVE
14
Video remarks by Mayor Frank Jackson on partnership
between
the World Conference of Mayors and ARDN.
15
Panel Discussion:
Youth Focus. Theme: Youth
Leadership, Innovation, and Social Impact on the
Road to Dakar 2026 (30 min) LIVE
The panel will explore the role of young people as
leaders, innovators, and advocates in advancing
sustainable development, promoting gender equality,
strengthening community engagement, and contributing
practical solutions related to water, sanitation,
and hygiene.
The discussion will also examine how sport,
education, and youth-led partnerships can help
advance the Sustainable Development Goals and build
momentum toward the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Panelists include Kamilah Davis and James Duplechain Garcia of Texas
Southern University, together with students from
Bronx Community College
Moderator:
Dr. Vickie Casanova-Willis,
Office of HBCU
Development and International Cooperation
Q&A from audience and audience interventions
16
Dakota Grant performs musical selection,
followed by saxophonist performance of two musical
pieces to tracks.
17
Closing Remarks by Dr. Djibril Diallo.
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Deputy
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sierra
Leone to the UN,
Michela
Swallow, Dr. Judy Kuriansky,
African Renaissance and Diaspora Network founder and
CEO
Dr.
Djibril Diallo.
Amb. Penda A. Naanda, Ambassador Permanent
Representative,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Namibia to the United Nations
Amb.. Ricklef Beutin, Ambassador Permanent
Representative,
Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany
to the United Nations |
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Red Card
Pledge |
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Selfie Corner |
Share Your
experience
Please
e-mail, WhatApp or WeChat your favorite Selfie
from the
Africa Open for Business Conference
to
Gerard@blacktiemagazine.com
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Please label
Africa Open for Business
&
Caption the names
left to right
and we will add your picture to this
page.
This opportunity will close on 06 15 2026 |
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Dr.
Djibril Diallo. Dr. Judy Kuriansky,
Amb. Penda A. Naanda, Ambassador Permanent
Representative,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Namibia to the United Nations
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AMB.
Ricklef Beutin, Ambassador Permanent Representative,
Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany
to the United Nation
Christina Pascucci, Founder & CEO, Atlas
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Sharon
Jones, Ball Nimey |
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Hon.
Ravindra Mohamed, Amb. Leililtova - Santos |
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Christina
Pascucci,
Founder &
CEO, Atlas,
Dr. Djibril Diallo. |
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See You
All Again Next Year! |
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Past
Coverage by
Black Tie International Magazine
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2025 |
Black Tie International Magazine:
African
Renaissance and Diaspora Network , NYC |
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Nermiin Ahmed,
Dr. Djibril Diallo,
Tongyue Zhang,
Queen Mother
Vho Makhadzi Makhadzi,
Jade Chow
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Empowering Women Globally as
Leaders
in the Struggle for Climate Change:
with Special Reference to Women of Africa
and the Diaspora
Article and Pictures by:
Black Tie International
Magazine/Gerard Mc Keon
This event is held on the occasion of the 69th
session of
the United Nations Commission on the Status of
Women.
co-hosted by
the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the UN,
the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN),
and the World Madam Foundation, convened in New
York. |
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The
conference focused on the critical role of women in
global climate action and the challenges they face,
calling for stronger gender-equality policies and
transformative solutions in climate governance..
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UN Deputy
Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed,
in her keynote
speech via video, highlighted the critical role of
women in climate action and the urgent need for
gender-responsive policies. Women and girls,
especially in marginalized communities, face
disproportionate risks from climate change,
including food insecurity, water scarcity, and
gender-based violence. She emphasized that women’s
knowledge in agriculture and resource management is
essential for shaping sustainable climate solutions.
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The
conference was attended by key government officials
and experts, including
Nassénéba Touré,
Minister for
the Promotion of Women, Family, and Child Protection
of Côte d’Ivoire;
Inès Nefer Ingani,
Minister for
the Promotion of Women, Development Integration, and
Informal Economy of the Republic of Congo;
Anielle
Francisco Silva,
Minister for Racial Equality of
Brazil; and Liza Gashi, Deputy Foreign Minister of
Kosovo |
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The
conference was supported by several partners,
including
the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO), the National Council of Negro
Women (NCNW),
and the
Human Rights Institute at
Southwest University of Political Science
and Law (SWUPL). |
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Dr. Djibril Diallo, President of ARDN,
and
Anni Huang,
Chairwoman of the World Madam Foundation,
jointly launched initiatives to empower women’s
leadership
and called for an end to all forms
of gender-based violence.
The conference also saw the global expansion of the
“Red Card Campaign”,
a movement advocating zero tolerance for violence
against women and girls.
At the
same time,
the African Philanthropy Initiative
was officially launched to enhance women's
leadership
in global sustainable development.
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At the
event, the organizers honored key figures for their
outstanding contributions to women’s rights and
global transformation:
Ms. Shavon Arline Bradley, President of NCNW.
and
Dr. Lois Keith, Chair of the Board of NCNW
were recognized
for their efforts in advancing women’s rights and social justice |
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Five
additional individuals were awarded for their impact
in various fields:
Li Yan
Women's Education Contribution Award
TakChio Cheong,
World TCM Anti-Cancer Contribution Award
Fang Fei
World Arts and Culture Achievement Award
Zhang Hong
the first blind climber to reach Mount Everest from
Asia
Wang Haixiang.
Women's Philanthropic Excellence Award– Wang
Haixiang. |
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Dr.
Djibril Diallo, President and CEO of ARDN |
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Remarks by Ms. Anni Huang,
CEO of World Madam Foundation |
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The Honorable Constance Newman,
Former U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs
& Chair of the Board
of Directors of ARDN, welcomes guests
and introduces Dr. Djibril Diallo. |
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GIVE A RED CARD
TO DISCRIMINATION AND VIOLENCE AGAINST
WOMEN AND GIRLS |
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Dr. Lois Keith, Chair of the Board of NCNW |
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Hon. Liza Gashi,
Deputy Foreign Minister of Kosovo
Award Accepted by by Kosovo diplomat Besim
Berisha |
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Hon. Nassénéba Touré,
Minister for the Promotion of Women, Family, and
Child Protection,
Côte d’Ivoire |
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Queen
Mother, Vho Makhadzi Makhadzi |
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Ms.
Li Yan,
Vice President, Southwest University of Political Science
and Law, China |
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Dr. Oulimata Keita,
Executive Director of Greenpeace Africa |
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Ms. Ligia Noronha,
ASG and Head of UNEP’s New York Office |
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Lily Gray
UNESCO New York Office |
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Women’s Panel Discussion
Dr. Gilbert Rochon introduces:
MADAM Foundation Representatives:
Ms. Liora Michelle & Ms. Cheng Zou
ARDN Representative: Queen Makhadzi
UN Agency Representative: Ms. Patricia Da Silva,
UNFPA
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Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Stroble,
Chancellor Emeritus of Webster University & Co-Chair of
ARDN Higher Education Initiative, introduces the
youth panelists:
MADAM Foundation Representatives:
Ms. Zaozao Wang & Ms. Helen Huang |
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Zhang Hong – Asia’s first blind hero to summit Mount
Everest |
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PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Welcome Remarks
The Honorable Constance Newman,
Former U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs
& Chair of the Board of Directors of ARDN,
welcomes guests
and introduces Dr. Djibril Diallo.
Opening Remarks
Dr. Djibril Diallo provides an overview of the
program.
Segment 1: Opening Addresses & Key Partners*
Hon. Ines Nefer Ingani, Minister of Gender,
Republic of Congo
Hon. Nassénéba Touré,
Minister for the Promotion of Women, Family, and
Child Protection, Côte d’Ivoire
Presentation of Award to Minister Touré
(Photo Op with The Hon. Constance Newman)
Keynote Address by
H.E. Amina J. Mohammed,
Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations
(delivered by video)
Remarks by Ms. Anni Huang,
CEO of World Madam Foundation
Video Message from Hon. Liza Gashi,
Deputy Foreign Minister of Kosovo
(Video introduced by Kosovo diplomat Besim Berisha)
Segment 2: NCNW Presentations & UN Partners
Presentation of ARDN’s Award to
Ms. Shavon Arline Bradley, President of NCNW.
Presentation of ARDN President’s Award to
Dr. Lois Keith, Chair of the Board of NCNW
(Photo Op with The Hon. Constance Newman).
Remarks by Ms. Shavon Arline Bradley
Remarks by Dr. Lois Keith, Chair of the Board of
NCNW
Segment 3: UN Agencies & Institutional Partners
UN Agency Remarks
Remarks by Mr. Eliot Michenberg,
Director of UNESCO New York Office
Remarks by Ms. Ligia Noronha,
ASG and Head of UNEP’s New York Office
Remarks by Dr. Oulimata Keita,
Executive Director of Greenpeace Africa
Remarks by Ms. Li Yan,
Vice President, Southwest University of Political Science
and Law, China
Segment 4: Presentation of ARDN Theme Song
Introduction of ARDN Theme Song
Richard Gant, Chair of ARDN’s Culture
Remarks by Mr. Michel Zgarka
Presentation of the ARDN Theme Song
Segment 5: Youth Panel Discussion
Introduction of Youth Panelists
Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Stroble,
Chancellor Emeritus of Webster University & Co-Chair of
ARDN Higher Education Initiative, introduces the
youth panelists:
MADAM Foundation Representatives:
Ms. Zaozao Wang & Ms. Helen Huang
ARDN Representatives:
Mr. Wantoe Wantoe & Ms. Jasmine Remane
Segment 6: Women’s Panel Discussion
Dr. Gilbert Rochon introduces:
MADAM Foundation Representatives:
Ms. Liora Michelle & Ms. Cheng Zou
ARDN Representative: Queen Makhadzi
UN Agency Representative: Ms. Patricia Da Silva,
UNFPA
AWARDS CEREMONY
Women’s Education Contribution Award
– Presented to:
Li Yan –
Vice President of Southwest University of Political Science
and Law, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, LL.M. in
Corporate Law,
New York University
World TCM Anti-Cancer Contribution Award
Presented to:
TakChio Cheong – Ph.D. in Chinese Medicine,
Founder of World TCM Cancer Foundation
World Arts and Culture Achievement Award
Presented to:
Fang Fei – Director of the Arvin Symphony Orchestra
Zhang Hong – Asia’s first blind hero to summit Mount
Everest
Women’s Philanthropic Excellence Award
Presented to
Wang Haixiang – Lawyer at Allbright International
Law Firm
Cultural Program
Closing Remarks
Dr. Djibril Diallo delivers final remarks.
Followed by remarks from Ms. Anni Huang.
Dr. Diallo announces next steps and officially
concludes the event
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Nermiin
Ahmed, Gerard Mc Keon |
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Hon. Nassénéba Touré,
Minister for the Promotion of Women, Family, and
Child Protection,
Côte d’Ivoire . |
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Ms. Shavon Arline Bradley, President of NCNW.
Dr. Lois Keith, Chair of the Board of NCNW |
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Nermiin
Ahmed, Gordan Tapper |
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Queen
Mother, Vho Makhadzi Makhadzi |
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Gordan
Tapper, Jade Chow |
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Arissation,
Dafine, Cynthia |
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www.Blacktiemagazine.com
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Black Tie International Magazine:
Africa Open
for Business Summit, United Nations, NYC 2024 |
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7th Annual
AFRICA OPEN
FOR BUSINESS SUMMIT 2024
Economic Showcasing stories of progress on
The UN Sustainable Development Goals,
highlighting the work of the private sector,
young entrepreneurs and Innovators
Trusteeship Chamber, United Nations, NYC
Article and Pictures by: Black Tie International
Magazine
/Gerard Mc Keon/Aurora Aquino |
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African Renaissance and Diaspora
Network
https://www.ardn.ngo/
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2010: ARDN served as
coordinator of the US delegation to the Third World Festival
of Black Arts and Culture, the largest global gathering of
luminaries of African descent, including artists, writers,
filmmakers, intellectuals, government officials, and
scientists. About 80 US delegates were appointed as “United
States of Africa” Goodwill Ambassadors, and three
African-American women received the African Renaissance
Award which honoured Outstanding Women of Africa and its
Diaspora.
2011: ARDN led a US
delegation to Senegal and facilitated the signing of two
partnership agreements with the Government of Senegal and US
based participating organizations. The first memorialized
cooperation between mayors from Senegal and the US in seven
areas of development: energy, youth, education, HIV/AIDS,
agriculture, culture and twinning of cities. The second
created a framework for cooperation between Universities in
Senegal and the US in the areas of academia, research,
development and exchanges.
2012: ARDN, through its youth
arm, the Pan-African Youth Leadership Network, co-organized
the Third Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit in Burkina
Faso with a United Nations system organization, convening
over 250 young people from Africa and the Diaspora. The
Ouagadougou Declaration, the Summit’s primary outcome
document, has served as a springboard for several Youth
Leaders to implement sustainable development projects in
their communities.
2013: ARDN, with the support
of a United Nations system organization, coordinated the
Africa dimension of the Third World Summit of Mayors and
Leaders from Africa and of African Descent, which was
organized by the Government of the Republic of Colombia. The
Summit convened over 2,850 delegates from over 80 countries,
including Heads of State, mayors, governors, legislators,
business leaders, academics and artists. In addition to
agreements between businesses, municipalities and
communities valued at USD 1.8 million, the Summit resulted
in the formal creation of an Africa-Diaspora international
alliance, the Global Alliance of Mayors and Leaders from
Africa and of African Descent (the “Global Alliance”).
2014: The Pan-African Youth
Leadership Network co-organized the Fourth Pan-African Youth
Leadership Summit in Senegal in cooperation with two United
Nations system organizations. The Summit resulted in the
formation of two partnerships: first, a partnership between
youth of Africa and the Diaspora; and second, a partnership
between the Pan-African Youth Leadership Network and the
Millennium Villages Project.
2014: ARDN supported the
steering of a global HIV/AIDS awareness, advocacy and
prevention campaign of a United Nations system organization,
organized around the occasion of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The campaign utilized the passion and power of sport and
culture towards raising global awareness of HIV, encouraging
young people to commit to HIV prevention, and emphasize the
importance of antiretroviral treatment. The campaign also
utilized the HIV/AIDS response as an entry-point to
addressing the wider sustainable human development goals of
the United Nations.
2015: ARDN, in partnership
with the Global Alliance and the Government of Ghana,
organized the Fourth World Summit of Mayors. The Summit
convened high-level officials from government and
intergovernmental organizations, and leaders in the fields
of academia, business, civil society, media and culture,
from Africa, Latin America and the United States of America
to discuss and share sustainable human development
strategies, and develop effective partnerships between
municipalities and other stakeholders. It was convened
within the framework of the International Decade for People
of African Descent (United Nations General Assembly
Resolution 68/237), and included thematic topics such as
empowerment of girls and women, youth employment, health,
education and infrastructure.
2016: ARDN provided strategic
support to events centered around the 2016 High Level
Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on HIV/AIDS.
ARDN’s work included facilitating the discussion of and
commitment by municipal leaders towards achieving United
Nations HIV/AIDS related objectives in the years 2020 and
2030, and supporting the organization of a discussion on the
accessibility of HIV/AIDS medicines in Africa.
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Red Card Pledge |
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www.redcardpledge.com |
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GIVE A RED CARD
TO DISCRIMINATION AND VIOLENCE AGAINST
WOMEN AND GIRLS
AN INITIATIVE LAUNCHED BY
THE AFRICAN RENAISSANCE AND DIASPORA NETWORK
The FIFA Women's World Cup 2019, hosted by France, has
highlighted women's outstanding achievements in sports and
generated enthusiasm on all continents.
Yet while the world applauded the skills of women on the pitch, around the
globe billions of women and girls were experiencing and
still experience numerous forms of discrimination and
violence too often disregarded.
They are deprived of basic rights proclaimed in the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, denied opportunities, and suffer physica
l and emotional abuse.
It prevents them from living truly fulfilling lives and also hampers
social, economic and health progress for all human beings.
This is why several teams engaged in the Cup decided, with
the support of FIFA, to give a red card to all forms of
discrimination and violence against women and girls
everywhere in the world, and to invite men and women all
over the world to follow suit.
Together with
FIFA,
UNDP,
UNFPA,
UN Women,
the French Presidential Council for Africa
and the
ARDN
they call for signing the
"Equal Light"
appeal and pledge and living up to that commitment.
If you are ready, add your name.
EQUAL LIGHT
APPEAL AND PLEDGE
A red card in soccer spotlights and helps prevent unfair
or dangerous behaviour.
We, therefore, give the RED CARD to discrimination and
violence against women and girls in all forms and in all
countries.
We commend all governments for committing on 25 September
2015 at the United Nations to achieve - by 2030 at the
latest
- 17 "Sustainable Development Goals"
in order to end poverty and hunger; reduce inequality; build peaceful,
just and inclusive societies; protect the planet and its
natural resources; and generate decent work for all.
We appeal to women and men around the globe to help reach
Goal number 5 for achieving gender equality everywhere and
empowering
all women and girls.
We urge individuals, associations, enterprises, local and
regional authorities, governments and intergovernmental
bodies
- to make this an absolute priority.
It is long overdue, and it is a prerequisite for reaching
other
Sustainable Development Goals.
We pledge to fully respect every other human being,
regardless of gender, culture, colour, language, social
origin, birth, property or religion, hence to put an end to
all forms of discrimination and violence against
women and girls.
This will enable everyone to stand together in an Equal
Light of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals |
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Djibril Dallo,President
& CEO
African Renaissance and Diaspora Network, Inc
Gerard Mc Keon
Publisher
Black Tie International Magazine |
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