L’Africa ha sempre rappresentato una priorità per i Socialisti e Democratici al Parlamento europeo e continuerà a esserlo. Per noi l’Africa è un partner di pari livello, col quale condividiamo impegno, ambizione e il sogno di sconfiggere le disuguaglianze: le nostre azioni devono rispecchiare questa realtà. La pandemia globale COVID-19 ha portato al limite la piaga della disuguaglianza in Africa.
Un partenariato Africa-Ue più maturo e contemporaneo può aiutarci ad affrontare le sfide globali sulla scia della pandemia coronavirus. Insieme, possiamo rafforzare la democrazia e i diritti umani, favorire l’affermazione di un’economia sostenibile e lo sviluppo umano nelle nostre società. Un buon coordinamento delle politiche estere dell’Ue è vitale se vogliamo cogliere una delle maggiori opportunità globali ci si sia mai presentata ed essere attori responsabili e centrali sullo scacchiere internazionale.
Noi Socialisti e Democratici ci battiamo per uno sviluppo sostenibile e una crescita economica inclusiva che non lasci indietro nessun bambino, nessuna donna, nessun uomo. Noi desideriamo che l’Europa, insieme ai nostri partner africani, si focalizzi in modo sempre maggiore su una cooperazione politica centrata sulle persone, che aggredisca le disuguaglianze.
L’economia africana sta perdendo miliardi di dollari nei settori del turismo e dei trasporti, a causa delle restrizioni dei viaggi e della mobilità; la maggior parte delle piccole imprese è ferma al palo e sta conoscendo una mancanza di entrate e di risorse di tale portata da metterne in discussione l’esistenza; le imprese private vivono una fase di profonda depressione e centinaia di milioni di lavoratori hanno perso il loro posto di lavoro.
Siamo lieti di annunciare che la quarta edizione della nostra iniziativa “La Settimana dell’Africa” si terrà da martedì 13 a giovedì 15 ottobre 2020.
Maggiori dettagli sull’evento e su come registrarsi seguiranno a breve. Siamo impazienti di poter contare sulla tua partecipazione.
S&D GROUP AFRICA WEEK 2020
Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 October
For a strengthened partnership between Africa and the EU
The 4th edition of our Africa Week Initiative will take place in digital event format.
Live at
www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu
# WITHAFRICA
PROGRAMME
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
10:20-10:30: Opening and Welcome by Iratxe García Pérez, MEP, S&D President
General introduction by Udo Bullmann, MEP, Coordinator of the Africa Week initiative
10:30-12:00: Africa-Europe: Digital transition, education, democracy and inequality in the context of COVID-19
(How to transform a shock wave into an opportunity for real change - accelerating the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goals)
S&D Group workshop with African and European youth representatives
In partnership with UNESCO, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) and Young European Socialists (YES)
Digital public event with Interpretation: EN, FR
Moderator: Bwalya Mwali International Coordinator of the African Tales initiative
Opening speech by Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International partnerships
Guest speakers:
Q/ A Session
13:45-14:00: Exclusive interview with special guests
14:00-15:30: Webinar: Building a climate proof EU-Africa partnership
Digital Seminar organized by the S&D Group’s Global Progressive Forum (GPF), in partnership with the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and the Max Van der Stoel Foundation (FMS)
Interpretation: EN, FR
Moderator: (tbd)
Welcome remarks by Mr. Andreas Schieder, MEP, GPF Coordinator
Keynote by H.E. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary General (tbc)
Guest speakers in this event include:
Q & A Session
15:30-16:30: Live Music Performance
Digital performance by music groups from African countries, exploring the cultural diversity of the continent
Cultural Event - organized by the S&D Group
Interpretation: EN, FR
Welcome remarks by Ms. Simona Bonafè MEP, S&D Vice President
17:00-18:30 Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting the engagement of the African diaspora in enhancing development
Digital Public event hosted by S&D Group and the Progressive Alliance in cooperation with Wajenzi
Interpretation: EN, FR
Opening speech by Ms. Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality
Moderator: Mr. Kemo Camara, Founder and CEO at Omek, Inclusion advocate and community organiser
Discussion with:
Q & A Session
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
10:30-12:00: Promoting Decent Work and Social Protection for All
(Europe’s impact from a negative to a positive spillover effect)
Digital public event organized in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) and SOLIDAR
Interpretation: EN, FR
Opening speech by Mr. Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights
Speakers in this event include:
Q & A Session
12:00–12:30: Exclusive interview with Dr Denis Mukwege, world-renowned gynaecologist, human rights activist and Nobel Peace laureate
15:30-17:30: COVID-19: Identifying socio-political and economic priorities to fight inequalities
S&D Group High Level Political Conference
Live from S&D Studio, European Parliament Brussels
Interpretation: EN, FR
Moderator: Ms. Marina Diboma, Deputy Managing Director, Netherlands African Business Council
Opening speech by Ms. Iratxe Garcia, MEP, President of the S&D Group
Keynote speeches by:
Discussion continues with Guest speakers:
Q & A Session
18:00-19:30: Feminist Culture Cafe: “The Power of African Feminist Art”
Digital public event organized by PES Women - FEPS
Interpretation: EN, FR
Moderator: Ms. Linda Nyirenda, Poet and Spoken Word Artist, Belgium
20:30-22:30: Digital Film Screening: “Letters to the continent”
Organized by S&D Group Cultural Event in collaboration with BOZAR
Interpretation: EN, FR
Welcome remarks by Mr. Udo Bullmann, MEP, Coordinator of S&D Africa Week
Thursday, October 15, 2020
09:00-11:00: Press Conference: Presentation of the S&D’s Africa Week 2020 message to the EU-AU Summit
Digital Public event hosted by the S&D Group
Interpretation: EN, FR
Opening remarks by Ms. Iratxe García Pérez, S&D President
Q & A Session with Journalists
Closing remarks by Ms. Simona Bonafè, S&D Vice-President and Mr. Udo Bullmann, Coordinator of S&D Africa Week
L’Africa ha sempre rappresentato una priorità per i Socialisti e Democratici al Parlamento europeo e continuerà a esserlo. Per noi l’Africa è un partner di pari livello, col quale condividiamo impegno, ambizione e il sogno di sconfiggere le disuguaglianze: le nostre azioni devono rispecchiare questa realtà. La pandemia globale COVID-19 ha portato al limite la piaga della disuguaglianza in Africa. La disuguaglianza, e una sua soluzione, associata alle sfide annose come
la povertà estrema, la fame e la disoccupazione, sono al centro delle nostre maggiori preoccupazioni.
Noi continuiamo a porre l’accento su un ulteriore rafforzamento del partenariato fra Africa e Unione europea come premessa per uscire vincenti da queste sfide. Ora più che mai, lo spessore delle relazioni Africa-Ue è posto a dura prova. È imperativo lavorare insieme per affrontare la pandemia globale e i suoi effetti. Il futuro del nuovo partenariato è, in parte, basato anche sulla capacità di superare questa prova.
L’economia africana sta perdendo miliardi di dollari nei settori del turismo e dei trasporti, a causa delle restrizioni dei viaggi e della mobilità; la maggior parte delle piccole imprese è ferma al palo e sta conoscendo una mancanza di entrate e di risorse di tale portata da metterne in discussione l’esistenza; le imprese private vivono una fase di profonda depressione e centinaia di milioni di lavoratori hanno perso il loro posto di lavoro. Il gettito fiscale ha subito una battuta d’arresto tale da porre buona parte dei governi nelle condizioni di non poter fornire beni e servizi di pubblico interesse, né di approntare misure di salvataggio per i gruppi più vulnerabili, specialmente in ambito sanitario nella lotta alla pandemia, anche a fronte di politiche sociali elastiche.
A completare il quadro vi sono le sfide mai realmente affrontate e le richieste inascoltate di una popolazione, quella africana, che entro il 2050 dovrebbe raggiungere i 2,5 miliardi, di cui buona parte sarà costituita da giovani. Queste sfide elevano all’ennesima potenza la necessità di gestire meglio i flussi migratori, di abbattere le disuguaglianze e di creare posti di lavoro dignitosi. Il partenariato fra Africa e Ue deve andare oltre la condivisione di responsabilità e proprietà, per aggredire gli enormi limiti in termini d’inclusione portati in superficie dalla pandemia, e per garantire la piena partecipazione e un contributo adeguato dell’Africa all’interno delle filiere e dei sistemi globali.
Noi Socialisti e Democratici ci battiamo per uno sviluppo sostenibile e una crescita economica inclusiva che non lasci indietro nessun bambino, nessuna donna, nessun uomo. Noi desideriamo che l’Europa, insieme ai nostri partner africani, si focalizzi in modo sempre maggiore su una cooperazione politica centrata sulle persone, che aggredisca le disuguaglianze. Noi crediamo che questa possa essere la risposta alla povertà estrema e alla disoccupazione, e possa contribuire a rendere l’Africa un luogo migliore e più sostenibile per i propri cittadini. Durante il lavoro quotidiano all’interno del Parlamento europeo ci battiamo per ridurre le disuguaglianze sociali, per consolidare la buona amministrazione, per promuovere la cultura e la diplomazia ambientale, la crescita economica sostenibile e il rispetto dei diritti umani. Noi crediamo che il successo di questa rinnovato rapporto di cooperazione fra Africa e Ue possa rappresentare la chiave per trovare soluzioni condivise alle sfide globali comuni. Non possiamo permetterci di sprecare altro tempo.
Un partenariato Africa-Ue più maturo e contemporaneo può aiutarci ad affrontare le sfide globali sulla scia della pandemia coronavirus. Insieme, possiamo rafforzare la democrazia e i diritti umani, favorire l’affermazione di un’economia sostenibile e lo sviluppo umano nelle nostre società.
Un buon coordinamento delle politiche estere dell’Ue è vitale se vogliamo cogliere una delle maggiori opportunità globali ci si sia mai presentata ed essere attori responsabili e centrali sullo scacchiere internazionale.
Empowering women
Women’s rights are first and foremost human rights, but societies where women can expect justice and equal opportunities are also more successful. We believe therefore that empowering women is not only a matter of justice, but also essential for building successful societies.
We are working together with other international partners to empower African women, defend their rights and prevent violence and discrimination. We strive to ensure that the rights of women are respected, that access to education is available for all and that violence against women is eliminated – in law and in practice. The S&Ds also want to see the empowerment of women lead to greater participation in the political life of their communities.
Young people
Empowering young people means investing in people by creating an environment where they can achieve their potential. Empowered and educated young people are vital for the future of their communities – and for the entire world. We believe that with co-ordinated action between African and European partners, young Africans can make the difference in tackling global, regional and local challenges. We are convinced that creating opportunities for young Africans is crucial: they have an enormous potential to shape their societies, foster democracy and the rule of law, promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as finding innovative solutions to the issues they face. We call for free high-quality education, investment in skills and improving employment opportunities.
Education
Education is vital for building better futures and we have launched an initiative focused on supporting proper education for young generations missing out on schooling through conflicts and humanitarian crises. We are working together with the United Nations, other EU institutions, and civil-society organisations at a European and global level to create political support and solid financial backing for international projects in this field. Through our #Educa initiative, we want to offer future generations access to appropriate education in order to help them build more peaceful and responsible societies.
Find out more about #Educa and how we have raised the level of aid funding for education.
Sustainable Development Goals and eradicating poverty
We believe that sustainable development and eradicating poverty must be global priorities. The Sustainable Development Goals agreed at the UN Summit in September 2015 set out an ambitious agenda, but there is still much to do.
We must work towards stronger development policies to build effective social protection systems and to provide universal access to all levels of education and health for the most vulnerable, creating more inclusive societies. This also means we need a sustainable approach to agriculture and resources promoting responsible energy use, universal access to drinking water and sanitation, and tackling climate change and unsustainable production and consumption. We are fighting for more international environmental co-operation, technological innovations and incentives for governments implementing progressive environmental policies.
The S&Ds are also committed to taking action on gender equality, especially when it comes to education and health. Women can play a crucial role in fighting against discrimination and for development, for example on improving maternal health and reducing child mortality rates. The current humanitarian crisis at Europe's borders has also highlighted the need for a new global approach, combining the fight against forced migration and the promotion of regular migration as a development engine, for both countries of origin and destination.
Read our 10 pledges for solidarity and development.
Environment
The Paris agreement reached in December 2015 was a milestone in the international efforts to combat climate change. Yet, much more work is needed to help those who are already feeling the effects of these changes. Some African countries are particularly vulnerable and face the threat of famine, forced migration and even new conflicts.
The S&D Group is committed to improving the resilience of local populations and helping them prevent and reduce disaster risks – and to ensuring adequate resources are allocated. In the same vein, we wish to see Africa fulfilling its potential and becoming a world leader in the production and use of renewable and efficient energy that respects environmental standards.
The S&Ds play a leading role in the European Parliament in supporting the people of Africa, addressing humanitarian and development needs, and promoting the values of democracy and good governance. At the beginning of the new millennium, the EU launched a new dialogue with Africa which aimed to build a strategic partnership with the continent. In recent years, the EU has also been active in responding to the Arab Spring in North Africa and to serious challenges in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa regions. Actions intended to address instability in these regions must form part of a broader strategy involving good governance, development, humanitarian action and, above all, restoring the rule of law.
Fair trade
Trade can support our development and humanitarian goals. We believe it can and should create economic growth to reduce poverty; help combat discrimination and improve the situation of women and children; strengthen respect for the environment and for social and safety standards; reinforce the rule of law, labour standards and human rights; involve trade unions and civil society; and boost regional integration.
Conflict minerals
The S&Ds continue to lead the battle for the traceability of the raw materials used in many everyday products, which are sometimes sourced in conflict zones, fuelling armed conflicts, slave labour and human-rights abuses. This has to change and we want to see mining become a source of economic development and benefits for local communities, rather than a dangerous activity responsible for driving people off their land, drawing innocent children into armed conflict and undermining development as a whole.
After a long campaign by the S&Ds, the European Parliament reached an agreement with the EU Council on 15 June 2016 for a new regulation. Despite strong Conservative opposition, the Socialists and Democrats secured a legally binding scheme to ensure traceability. The goal of the S&D Group is to ensure that regulating the use of conflict minerals is not some optional add on, but is mandatory.
This has struck a harsh blow to the criminal militias that, in many regions of the world – especially in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – massacre, abuse and rape women and children in order to exploit the mining of tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold. European citizens must be able to have confidence that their tablet, mobile phone or PC is not made of minerals stained with innocent blood. We are fighting to end the trade in conflict minerals.
Africa is a top priority for the S&Ds. This is why our MEPs have been on a series of fact-finding missions over recent years to meet with locals, experts and politicians on the ground.
Our MEPs have visited many different countries and regions, including Sierra Leone (February 2017), Kenya (February & December 2016), Ghana (December 2016), Gambia (September 2016), DRC (September 2016), Gabon (August 2016), Mali (July & September 2016), Namibia (June 2016), Ethiopia (April 2016), Botswana (April 2016) Uganda (February 2016) and Tanzania (October 2015). Aside from these S&D visits, our MEPs have also taken part in numerous European Parliament missions to act as international observers, helping to ensure elections are free and fair.
A key visit for us was in April 2015, when a delegation of S&D MEPs, led by President Gianni Pittella, visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to meet with the government and officials, the Sakharov Prize Laureate Dr Mukwege and civil-society and business representatives working on human rights, democracy and the fight against conflict minerals. The S&D Group has made violence against women and the banning of conflict minerals a top priority of its political action in the European Parliament. The aim of the mission was to better understand the reality on the ground and how the European Union can help local communities overcome 20 years of civil war.
In May 2017, S&D president Gianni Pittella led an S&D delegation to Nigeria and Guinea to get an overview of the political, security, social and economic situation in both countries – especially to better understand the causes of irregular migration and the solutions to stem the flow of young people leaving Africa illegally. The mission also fed into the S&D Group’s long-term strategy for Africa, addressing the biggest challenges facing both Africa and Europe: migration; the threat of terrorism and radicalisation; climate change; infectious diseases (post-Ebola) and epidemics; managing Africa's demographic boom; the need to consolidate democracy and build effective institutions; and making the best use of the continent's natural resources. The delegation held meetings with parliamentarians, governments, universities, non-governmental organisations and stakeholders, and also visited the Malkohi official and unofficial refugee camps in Yola, in north-east Nigeria, which hosts thousands of internally displaced people fleeing Boko Haram and famine.