THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Berlin will host the ISD World Summit 2026 from 29 to 31 October, bringing together international speakers, diplomatic representatives, community organisations and members of the public for a series of discussions and activities centred on economic diplomacy, international cooperation and global stability.
Berlin will host the ISD World Summit 2026 from 29 to 31 October, bringing together diplomats, international speakers, community representatives and members of the public to discuss economic diplomacy, sustainable development and global cooperation.
Organised by the International Society of Diplomats (ISD) in cooperation with tubman.network e.V., the summit is themed “Economic Diplomacy for Peace and Global Stability”. Its programme combines a public lecture and panel discussion, a guided tour exploring Berlin’s colonial history, and a full-day international summit culminating in cultural performances and an awards ceremony.
The opening event on Thursday, 29 October, will take place at Afrika Haus Berlin in Moabit from 6 pm to 9 pm. Dr Samuel Dotse will deliver a lecture on “Financing Climate Action and Sustainable Development”, addressing a key challenge facing countries seeking to balance economic progress with environmental sustainability.
An international hybrid panel will follow, examining “Global Cooperation, Leadership and Sustainable Development”. Among the contributors is Olori Cecilia Naadensua Matemilola, whose presentation, “Bridging Traditions and Global Markets: Queen Mothers, Women’s Leadership and the Future of Economic Diplomacy”, will explore the place of traditional institutions and women’s leadership in international economic relations.
On Friday, 30 October, the focus will shift to history and its relevance to contemporary relations between Africa and Europe. A guided tour titled “Berlin Through African Eyes: Colonial History, African Resistance and Contemporary Solidarity” will be led by Father Peter Ekutt of Afrika-Center Berlin. The itinerary includes Berlin’s African Quarter, the historical site of the Berlin Conference of 1884–85, and a community centre in Kreuzberg. Themes include African sovereignty, reparative justice, resistance and community solidarity.
The programme culminates on Saturday, 31 October, with the main summit at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Berlin-Kreuzberg, running from 9.30 am to 8.30 pm.
The day will open with addresses by Prof. Edet Bassey Ekpenyong, ISD Secretary-General Manuel Fernandez and a representative of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Germany. A policy exchange on fair economic cooperation and shared responsibility will set the tone for discussions on Africa’s economic future, political representation and international partnerships.
One of the afternoon’s key sessions, “From Inclusion to Ownership: Who Shapes Africa’s Economic Future?”, will examine how African countries and communities can exercise greater influence over development priorities and economic opportunities. Other contributions will address political participation, youth wellbeing and sustainable development, as well as the potential of remittances to support investment and co-investment. An online presentation by Jamaican contributor Bert Samuels will bring a Caribbean perspective to reparations and historical justice.
The role of African media and diaspora communities will also feature prominently. Femi Awoniyi, publisher and editor-in-chief of The African Courier, is scheduled to speak on “Media and Diaspora Perspectives”. His session will consider how media and diaspora networks can strengthen African voices in international debate and contribute to cooperation between Africa and its global partners.
The summit will conclude with a Pan-African dinner, artistic performances and the Global Diplomacy Hall of Fame awards ceremony, followed by live music featuring Zeyo-Mann and Silver Youth from The Gambia.
With its combination of policy discussions, historical reflection and cultural exchange, the three-day programme seeks to connect diplomacy with the concerns of communities and the wider public. Its central challenge is to translate dialogue into stronger partnerships and practical approaches to economic cooperation, sustainable development and peace.
The summit’s working language is English, and online participation is available for the main conference.
Event details
- Thursday, 29 October: Public evening programme, 6–9 p.m., Afrika Haus Berlin, Bochumer Straße 25, 10555 Berlin-Moabit.
- Friday, 30 October: Berlin Through African Eyes historical tour, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., starting at Afrika-Center Berlin, Hohenstaufenstraße 3, 10781 Berlin.
- Saturday, 31 October: Main ISD World Summit, 9.30 a.m.–8.30 p.m., University of Europe for Applied Sciences, Dessauer Straße 3–5, 10963 Berlin.
- Enquiries: events@internationalsocietyofdiplomat.org | WhatsApp: +49 172 341 1638
The event is organised by the International Society of Diplomats in cooperation with tubman.network e.V.
ISD World Summit 2026: Femi Awoniyi speaks on African media, diaspora and international cooperation
