Accra, April 19, GNA – As part of measures to enhance the rights of people of African Descent, the United Nations (UN) will on Friday, April 22, 2022 hold a high-level forum in Ghana to promote dialogue and advocacy.
Convened by the Dr Natalia Kanem, UN Under-Secretary General, and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the meeting is aimed at promoting dialogue and advocacy on thematic areas that will enhance inclusion and the wellbeing of People of African Descent.
It is on the theme: “People of African Descent: Accelerating the Commitment for Recognition, Advancement of Rights, Justice and Development.”
A news brief issued by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Ghana, and shared with the Ghana News Agency, said the forum preceded this year’s International Day for People of African Descent, which will be observed on 31st August 2022.
“The inaugural celebration of International Day for People of African Descent was hosted by the Government of Costa Rica in San Jose in August 2021. This followed a resolution adopted by the United Nations based on a proposal by Costa Rica to observe the Day in recognition of the history, legacy and contributions of the African diaspora worldwide,” it said.
The UNFPA said the forum in Accra would be attended by the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, as the Special Guest of Honour and Vice-President of Costa Rica, Madam Epsy Campbell Barr, who would be delivering the keynote address.
The UNFPA said Ghana shared a significant historic relationship with the African diaspora, considering the country’s central involvement in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
“This history, coupled with the recent ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ initiative by the Government of Ghana has positioned Ghana as a vital entry-point for Africans in the diaspora,” it said.
Dr Natalia Kanem and Madam Epsy Campbell Barr are expected to touch down in Accra on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 ahead of Friday’s forum.
Whiles in Ghana, Dr Kanem will lead a delegation to visit the Elmina Castle, Assin Manso Slave Market and Slave River Park.
The UNFPA said the tour was intended to provide an experience of touristic sites that were indispensable to the history of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
It said Dr Kanem would also pay a courtesy call on the President and the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana and visit the Nana Afrakuma II’s Vocational Institute for Adolescent Mothers in Akwamu.
She is also expected to engage with traditional leaders by paying a courtesy call to the King of Akwamu, His Royal Majesty Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III.
Dr Natalia Kanem was appointed as the new Executive Director of the (UNFPA) on 3rd October 2017.
She succeeded the late Dr Babatunde Osotimehin of Nigeria, who was globally celebrated for his immense advocacy for the world’s women and girls.
Prior to her appointment, Dr Kanem was Acting Executive Director of UNFPA, prior to, which she was Deputy Executive Director (Programme), and earlier UNFPA Representative in the United Republic of Tanzania from 2014 to 2016.
Before joining the United Nations, Dr Kanem was Senior Associate at the Lloyd Best Institute of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago from 2012 to 2013.
Source: Ghana News Agency
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