AfriLabs at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

AfriLabs at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly AfriLabs at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly As the world convenes in New York for the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), AfriLabs will participate in critical discussions on global digital cooperation, sustainable development, and the future of African technology. From September 20th to 27th, our Executive Director, Anna Ekeledo, will represent AfriLabs at high-level events and panel discussions, ensuring that Africa’s voice in innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation is well heard. UNGA is an annual gathering of global leaders, policymakers, and influencers committed to addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. AfriLabs’ presence underscores our dedication to advancing Africa’s innovation ecosystem and fostering meaningful technological progress. Through these dialogues, we seek to strengthen partnerships, advocate for increased investment in African startups, and highlight the vital role of digital solutions in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). AfriLabs will participate in the Assembly program as follows; Friday, 20th September 2024 Summit of the Future Breakfast: Youth and Digital Compass 8:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Microsoft Office – One Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, NYC AfriLabs will be present at this exclusive breakfast, where the focus is on empowering youth through digital solutions. As key stakeholders, AfriLabs will contribute to discussions on the future of youth leadership in Africa’s digital economy. Organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC). Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development Annual Fall Meeting 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Convene 237 Park Avenue, NYC As a special guest and speaker, Anna Ekeledo will share insights into broadband’s role in scaling Africa’s tech ecosystems. The discussion will center on the transformative impact of internet accessibility and digital inclusion across the continent. Organized by The ITU/UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development SDG Digital Welcome Reception and GameChangers Awards Ceremony 6:15 PM – 8:15 PM | United Nations Headquarters, NYC AfriLabs will be a distinguished guest at this reception, honouring global leaders who are driving progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through digital innovation. This gathering is a celebration of those using technology to tackle climate change, inequality, and poverty, aligning with AfriLabs’ mission, organized by SDG Digital. Saturday, 21st September 2024 SDG Digital: A Digital Future for All 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM | ECOSOC Chamber, United Nations, NYC AfriLabs will join global tech leaders to explore the future of digital transformation for sustainable development. Africa’s role in shaping this future will be a key point of discussion, especially in advancing the SDGs through tech-driven solutions. Session organized by SDG Digital. Digital Cooperation Organisation High-Level Reception 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | The Pierre, Taj Hotel, NYC AfriLabs will attend this high-level reception to foster partnerships with global digital leaders. This event will be critical in advancing multilateral digital cooperation, with Anna Ekeledo advocating for stronger collaborations that benefit Africa’s startups and tech entrepreneurs. Organized by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). Fostering Multi-stakeholder Global Digital Cooperation for Prosperity 4:00 PM – 5:17 PM | UN Headquarters, NYC Anna will take the stage as a panelist for the discussion on new multi-stakeholder models for digital cooperation. The session will explore innovative ways for public and private sectors to collaborate, with a special focus on Africa’s growing digital ecosystem. This event is organized by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), where AfriLabs holds observer status membership. DCO is dedicated to fostering global digital cooperation to drive inclusive growth in the digital economy. Sunday, 22nd September 2024 The Future of U.S. Global Development 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 315 W 35th St, NYC AfriLabs will join key discussions as a guest, exploring the role of the U.S. in global development. The conversation will touch on investment in African startups and the importance of cross-continental partnerships. The session is organized by Unlock Aid and One Campaign. Monday, 23rd September 2024 Open Source AI & Improving Global Language Access 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Ivy Terrace, NYC As a guest, AfriLabs will explore how AI can revolutionize language access globally, particularly in African countries with diverse linguistic backgrounds. The conversation will be crucial in shaping AI policies that ensure inclusivity and diversity. This event is organized by Meta, with Anna attending as a guest. It’s also worth noting our recent partnership with Meta, which focuses on supporting AI innovators across Africa. Through this collaboration, we aim to provide resources, mentorship, and platforms for African AI startups, fostering innovation that addresses local challenges while contributing to global advancements in AI technology. Tuesday, 24th September 2024 African Business Stories Roundtable: Funding the Gap – Strategies for African Female Entrepreneurs 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, NYC Anna will play a pivotal role as a speaker at the roundtable, highlighting collaboration and partnership strategies to accelerate growth for female entrepreneurs across Africa. Bridging the funding gap and empowering women in tech are central themes. The session is organized by African Business Stories. The Next 3 Billion Summit: Unlocking the Biggest Social and Economic Opportunity of Our Time 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York, 2 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065, USA AfriLabs will participate as a guest at this summit, which is organized by Semafor. The event will explore how the next 3 billion internet users, primarily from emerging markets, represent a significant social and economic opportunity. AfriLabs’ involvement will provide an opportunity to engage with global thought leaders on how Africa’s tech ecosystem can play a pivotal role in unlocking this opportunity by driving innovation, digital inclusion, and economic growth across the continent. Destination 2030 – Nigeria Everywhere @UNGA 6:00 PM | Bathhouse Studios 538 E 11th St New York, NY 10009 Hosted by Destination 2030 – Nigeria Everywhere, an Initiative by Federal Ministry of Arts Culture & Creative Economy, Anna will participate as a guest at this event, which is a Cultural Experience designed to celebrate and showcase the rich and diverse creative industries of Nigeria. This event will highlight various aspects of