Everyone’s at UNGA79 or so it seems. And we’ve lost count of the Africa-focused events happening all through the week and all around the city.
From Semafor’s The Next 3 Billion Summit, to the 4th International Trade and Investment Forum, as well as the Foundation for Africa’s Future and so many more. And of course, our own debut New York event Africa Breakfast Convos happening at the World Trade Center on September 27, 2024.
The City is the United Nations itself and everything you heard on the lyrics of “Empire State Of Mind” (Jay Z and Miss keys thank you) is correct.
So who have we spotted? The almighty Aliko Dangote (and Anthony Chiejima of course); Stephanie Busari, the CNN Wonder Woman, Nana Akufo-Addo (our CEO even got a selfie), Tony O. Elumelu (who threw a cocktail party that attracted everyone that’s everyone), MTN Nigeria chairman Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, the honourable minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nigeria, Dr. Bosun Tijani, our good friend Adebola Williams, another good friend Tolu Ogunlesi, MON, Akin Adesina (and his super photographer Tolani Alli), Nigeria’s minister for women affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Chief Finance & Strategy Officer of Wema Bank Plc, Mr. Tunde Mabawonku; MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola; MTN Nigeria CCSO, Tobe Okigbo; the president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, H. E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia; H.E. Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana and H.E. Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia.
Government leaders come to UNGA to participate in the General Assembly, business leaders come to discuss and make deals and advocate for their organisations and industries as government leaders do the same for their people. Celebrities, influencers, socialites, and everyone else is in town to participate in all the side events that this year total up to 210. Since UNGA was started 79 years ago, this is the most inclusive with over 90 events focused on the continent of Africa alone.
What have presidents and CEOs been talking about? Climate change, sustainable development, peace and security, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence with African delegations and leaders prioritising topics and issues from geopolitics to the importance of sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.
We’ll discuss these and more on Friday September 27, during the inaugural Africa Breakfast Convos at the World Trade Center, in partnership with Allison.
