Conference Brings Together Activists, Members of U.S. Government, African Diaspora

(Washington, DC) – Join Africa Action April 15-16 for a conference on Zimbabwe. The conference theme, ‘Dare to Shape the Future’ emphasizes thinking outside the box and encourages participants to creatively imagine and help construct a different future for Zimbabwe, moving away from destructive polarization and conflict to justice, healing and reconciliation. And from repression, exploitation and poverty to freedom, equity and development. The conference will coincide with Zimbabwe’s 30th independence anniversary. In line with the theme of daring to shape the future – the conference will pioneer a culture of inclusive dialogue among a diverse range of stakeholders of different opinions and political stripes to help forge a new culture of tolerance. Speakers from Zimbabwe will help bring a better understanding of civil society struggles on the ground and how the solidarity community can help and will help shape people centered U.S. policies at a crucial time in Zimbabwe’s history.

When: April 15-16, 2010

Where: Washington DC Kellogg Conference Hotel, 800 Florida Ave N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002-3695

Who: Civil society in the U.S. and Southern Africa, members of U.S. Government and Zimbabwe’s Inclusive Government and the African Diaspora. Click here to view the full program

Why: Despite continuing tensions, Zimbabwe’s year long Inclusive Government has resulted in significant economic and political changes giving great relief to long suffering Zimbabweans. Considerable as these changes are, a lot remains to be done for Zimbabwe to fully transition to a peaceful and democratic order, particularly in terms of critical political reforms and national healing. In addition, to institutionalize irreversible political reforms, key questions must be addressed in relation to how Zimbabwe’s economy long ravaged by Structural Adjustment Programs and corruption, among other factors, can be reconstructed in the interest of ordinary people.

For more details on the conference, visit www.africaaction.org/conference-home.html