A Message From The Chairman

Development divorced from its human or cultural context is growth without a soul. Economic development in its full flowering is part of a people’s culture.
—World Commission on Culture and Development 1995

African government and their development partner’s worldwide often sideline culture when it comes to developmental issues. Whenever culture may be mentioned, it is more likely to center on arts or the preservation of cultural heritage. It is with this reason that the international conference on African Culture and Development secretariat was formed. Our aim is to be an African Cultural advocate that will influence policy directions on the continent.

Today, we are happy that we are taking a giant leap forward towards the realization of our goals by creating a platform for Africa and the rest of the world to meet in Africa to gather, converge and refine ideas and to chart a common course of action.

We call on all, state, corporate, foundations, organizations, groups and individuals to actively get involved in one way or the other. A pat on the back, financial or in kind support will speed up global developmental efforts. Our call is echoed in the 1995 UNESCO reports “it requires other actors as well: transnational corporations, international organizations, and the global civil society. All three should be influenced and mobilized”

It is our pleasure to invite you to join us in Kumasi in April as we seek solutions for Africa’s development from a culturally sensitive perspective.

See you soon.

NANA BOAKYE ANSAH DEBRAH
Chairman of Organizing Committee
Kumasi, Ghana.