Africa Action: Activism for Africa Since 1953
Dare to Shape the Future:
April 15-16, 2010
Washington DC Kellogg Conference Hotel
800 Florida Ave N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002-3695
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.
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 take place within the context of the yearlong existence of the Inclusive Government in Zimbabwe and 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.
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 take place within the context of the yearlong existence of the Inclusive Government in Zimbabwe and 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.
Watch:
Gerald LeMelle, Executive Director of Africa Action, Speaks about the Conference:
Shaping a New U.S. Policy
The conference takes place at a time when there are major debates regarding U.S. policy towards Zimbabwe in light of the formation of the Inclusive Government. A key question of contention is whether the U.S. should continue with the Zimbabwe Economic and Democracy Recovery Act (of 2001) and the Executive Order of 2003, both of which impose targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe, or move to a new policy of support and engagement with the Inclusive Government. In the last few months there have been congressional initiatives to review current U.S. legislation on Zimbabwe and explore opportunities for a new U.S. policy with both the House and Senate holding hearings on Zimbabwe. As a sign of an already changing U.S. policy, there have been two high-level bi-partisan Congressional delegations to Zimbabwe in the last six months – a major policy shift given the fact that the U.S. had practically cut ties with Zimbabwe prior to the formation of the Inclusive Government.
Whichever way, U.S. policy will have a great impact on developments in Zimbabwe. It is important that any new U.S. policy does not retard the thrust towards a peaceful and democratic order in Zimbabwe, but instead reinforces momentum for political reform and people centered economic reconstruction. This conference creates an opportunity for the ongoing policy debates to be informed by a diversity of views including important Zimbabwe civil society leaders, the Zimbabwe Diaspora, members of Zimbabwe’s Inclusive Government and policy experts.
Whichever way, U.S. policy will have a great impact on developments in Zimbabwe. It is important that any new U.S. policy does not retard the thrust towards a peaceful and democratic order in Zimbabwe, but instead reinforces momentum for political reform and people centered economic reconstruction. This conference creates an opportunity for the ongoing policy debates to be informed by a diversity of views including important Zimbabwe civil society leaders, the Zimbabwe Diaspora, members of Zimbabwe’s Inclusive Government and policy experts.
Mobilizing Zimbabwe Diaspora Resources
The crisis in Zimbabwe resulted in an estimated four million Zimbabweans leaving the country for the Diaspora in the last 10 years; a significant number of these are in North America. Presently this Diaspora is largely scattered and disengaged from developments in Zimbabwe even though this population has a wealth of ideas, expertise and skills that that can be harnessed for Zimbabwe’s reconstruction. As the most educated and skilled section of Zimbabwe’s population, and totaling one-third of the entire population, it is important that Zimbabwe’s Diaspora population has a voice in Zimbabwe’s transition by democratically participating in important processes such as constitutional reform and national healing.
This conference will provide an important opportunity to begin the re-groupment and reengagement of the Zimbabwe Diaspora in North America for participation in Zimbabwe’s reconstruction and democratization through special sessions tailored to the Diaspora.
This conference will provide an important opportunity to begin the re-groupment and reengagement of the Zimbabwe Diaspora in North America for participation in Zimbabwe’s reconstruction and democratization through special sessions tailored to the Diaspora.
Lifting Up Zimbabwe Civil Society Voices
It goes without saying that those on the frontline of the struggle in Zimbabwe are the best spokespersons on the issues. A very important part of this conference is having speakers drawn from a representative section of Zimbabwean civil society to give an update on the latest developments in Zimbabwe and how the transition impacts on them respectively as different sectors. Speakers will represent sectors including women’s rights, youth and community activists, trade unions, human rights and democracy, and economic justice. Briefings with congressional representatives and staff will be arranged for speakers to elevate their voices into U.S. policy discussions
