Keyword: Africa Forum

In conversation with Paulino José Miguel

Post Author From hawener
Post date March 11, 2025

Paulino José Miguel at the 2nd Africa Forum Baden-Württemberg in Ludwigsburg in autumn 2024 (©CamiloAmayaPhotographer).

For decades, Paulino José Miguel has been committed to the participation of migrants in development policy. Read in the interview how his commitment to migration and development has shaped him and what expectations he has for the future.

Dear Paulino, congratulations on the Federal Cross of Merit and on the recognition of your many years of commitment. You are a specialist promoter for (post-)migrant associations at the Forum der Kulturen Stuttgart eV, networking the industry and actively shaping our intercultural coexistence in Stuttgart, the state and far beyond with your work. You have significantly shaped the understanding of migration and development. What do you think of when we talk about “migration & development”?

When we talk about migration and development, I think first of all about people. I think of the people who are involved in this process. They are people who are not only thinking about themselves, but also about the communities they originally come from and in which they currently live and beyond. These are people who want to keep societies together and not divide them. That is why they are working to improve conditions in their countries of origin and here and around the world.

Thank you for the context. Can you give us an insight into what's coming up this year?

We have a lot planned for this year. One point remains the announcement and exchange of our position paper with impulses for action on the special position of (post-)migrant engagement in the development policy funding landscape. There is great interest in this - we have received numerous inquiries from various actors.

We are also working on an expert paper in which we would like to specifically involve migrant experts from various institutions. Especially now that migration has become an increasingly sensitive issue - a development that I view with concern - a clear, strong position is needed. Our goal is to promote social cohesion and strengthen our democracy.

What expectations do you have of organizations like the SEZ and also of politicians to promote (post-)migrant engagement in development work? What role do you see the SEZ playing?

Organisations such as the SEZ and politicians play a crucial role in promoting (post-)migrant engagement. Important progress has been made in recent years, but there is still much to be done.

The SEZ has already implemented numerous projects that strengthen (post-)migrant actors. One example is the Africa Forum, which was supported and coordinated by the SEZ from the outset not only financially but also organizationally. The Baden-Württemberg State Ministry also supports our work - for example through the migrant development policy network, in which state officials and even State Secretary Rudi Hoogvliet actively seek exchange with migrants.

I hope that the SEZ will continue down this path and convince even more foundations and organizations to specifically promote the commitment of (post-)migrant initiatives. This support should reach as many people as possible in order to have a lasting impact.

What do you wish for next year in terms of your work and commitment?

For the coming year, I hope that the recognition of my commitment will be extended to other people with a migration background - in particular through stronger support for projects initiated by and for (post-)migrant communities. Another important goal is to anchor people with a migration background more firmly in key positions, such as committees and boards of umbrella organizations. Their presence and participation at these levels are essential to make their perspectives more visible and to drive structural change.

What does the official recognition of your work through the Federal Cross of Merit mean to you?

For me, the official recognition of my work is also an appreciation of the commitment of all (post-)migrant actors. I see myself merely as a mediator, as a voice for all those people with a migration background who work for the common good every day.

I accepted the Federal Cross of Merit on behalf of all of them – for those who often remain invisible but who play a key role in shaping our society through their work.

Thank you for your time and your tireless commitment to an open society!

Tags Africa Forum, Development, Forum of Cultures Stuttgart, Migration, Paulino Miguel

(POST)MIGRANT ORGANIZATIONS COMMITTED IN BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG SEZ

2nd Africa Forum #RewritingTheNarrative

Post Author From hawener
Post date December 11, 2024

In a lively discussion with Grace Alele, Contimi Kenfack Mouafo, Mervdy Nkangu, Faisal Osman and moderator Jenny Mushegera (from left to right), the diversity of young people’s commitment became visible ©CamiloAmayaPhotographer

On October 26, 2024, the 2nd Africa Forum Baden-Württemberg became the centerpiece of the Ludwigsburg Africa Days. Under the motto #RewritingTheNarrative - Shaping the future together, the meeting was dedicated to young voices and new narratives from the Afrodiaspora. A day that broadened perspectives, created inspiration and paved the way to a sustainable future together.

Continuation of a Vision: The 2nd Africa Forum Baden-Württemberg
After the successful start of the first Africa Forum Baden-Württemberg 2022 under the motto #ChangingTheNarrative The 2nd Africa Forum Baden-Württemberg sent a strong signal on October 26, 2024 in Ludwigsburg: #RewritingTheNarrative was the focus and addressed the reorientation of narratives about Africa and the path to a fairer and more sustainable future. This year's focus was on the active role of the Afro-diasporic community and its contribution to key future issues.

In the spotlight: Contimi Kenfack Mouafo – Germany's Student of the Year 2024
Contimi Kenfack Mouafo, founder of 3 E's 4 Africa eV, the event. His message: young people and local engagement are central elements for forward-looking cooperation between the diaspora and global actors. His words set the tone for a forum that celebrated innovative ideas and the power of joint efforts.

strengthening political participation
A central concern of the forum was the promotion of political participation. The Pan-African Council of Baden-Württemberg, founded this year, played a key role in this. Silvia Holzhäuer-Ruprecht and Dr. David Tchakoura presented the council and its vision:

“There can be no discussion about Africa without including Africa itself.”

Representatives Njeri Kinyanjui, Nzimbu Cathy Mpanu-Mpanu-Plato and Vera Sompon shared their personal stories and motivations that led them into politics. Their perspectives highlighted the diversity of reasons for political engagement:

“For me it’s about democracy and equal living conditions for all.” (Njeri Kinyanjui)

“My office gives me power – it’s a nice feeling to be able to have a say.” (Vera Sompon)

They also gave valuable tips for entering politics, including: getting informed, starting locally, looking for like-minded people (Cathy Plato); finding mentors and staying open to learning processes (Vera Sompon).

A Bridge Between Generations
The platform dedicated to young voices was particularly impressive. In a lively discussion with Grace Alele, Contimi Kenfack Mouafo, Mervdy Nkangu, Faisal Osman and moderator Jenny Mushegera, the diversity and potential of local engagement became apparent.

The younger generation expressed clear wishes for intergenerational cooperation:

“I hope that there will continue to be open spaces and platforms for our engagement.” (Grace Alele)

“I hope for trust and the exchange of experiences and contacts.” (Faisal Osman)

“We need acceptance for new paths and perspectives.” (Contimi Kenfack Mouafo)

“I hope that people who are not part of the discussion will also be taken into account.” (Mervdy Nkangu)

She thanked those who had pioneered this work and opened doors and built networks, with the hope that this work will continue and be shared.

Participants of the 2nd Africa Forum ©CamiloAmaya

S. Holzhäuer-Ruprecht and Dr. D. Tchakoura introduce the Pan-African Council in conversation with J. Mushegera ©CamiloAmaya

Workshop participants in conversation ©CamiloAmaya

Representative Njeri Kinyanjui reports on her path into politics ©CamiloAmaya

Vera Sompon shares insights into her motivation for the mandate ©CamiloAmaya

Nzimbu Cathy Mpanu-Mpanu-Plato shares her tips for political engagement ©CamiloAmaya

Violinist Calia Noémia Celestino Rádio enchanted the audience ©CamiloAmaya

The Forum of Cultures eV in conversation with the SEZ ©CamiloAmaya

A day full of inspiration, workshops and enjoyment
In addition to inspiring lectures and discussions, the forum offered practical workshops on topics such as technology transfer, cultural identity and political participation. Special thanks go to all the initiators and participants who enriched the event with their contributions.

Musically, 17-year-old violinist Calia Noémia Celestino Rádio enchanted the audience with a multifaceted repertoire from classical to pop, creating an emotional highlight of an eventful day.

Finally: An impulse that remains
Like the moving sounds of My Way and lift me up, which Calia Noémia Celestino Rádio brought to life on this day, the 2nd Africa Forum Baden-Württemberg also stands for the courage to go one's own way and at the same time to inspire and support others.

It reminded us that everyone has the power to rewrite history, build bridges and create a fairer future – in their own way, at their own pace and, above all, in community.

If you would like to become part of the Africa Forum network, contact us or take part in the next events.

YOUR CONTACT PERSONS

SAMRAWIT PETROS

Strategy Partnerships & Africa Forum

Leslie Hawener

Management & Communications Officer

Tags Africa Forum

(POST)MIGRANT ORGANIZATIONS SEZ

Change of perspective - images of Africa reflected in the generations

Post Author From hawener
Post date April 23, 2024

Network meeting at Fair Trade: Images of Africa as reflected in the generations (© Cengiz Akaygün)

Participants of the network meeting at Fair Trade: In conversation about images of Africa as reflected in the generations (© Cengiz Akaygün)

On April 06, 2024, 50 voices from the Afrodiaspora in Baden-Württemberg and interested parties met at the Fair Trade trade fair for the Africa Forum Baden-Württemberg network meeting to talk about images of Africa as reflected in the generations.

Established and young voices from the Afrodiaspora shared their personal experiences and encounters with images of Africa and the stereotypical representation of the continent in Baden-Württemberg in living room discussions during the network meeting.

Moderated by Faisal Osman (Black Community Foundation Stuttgart eV), there were two rounds of discussions:

In the first conversation, Grace Alele from SIMAMA – STAND UP eV and Eric Kamguia from Awoli eV exchanged their personal experiences with images of Africa. In the second round Naemi Mirene Makiadi from Afrokids International eV and the ReCollect Collective and Komlan Batema from KAMA MBOWOU eV talked about the diversity and complexity of the African continent. In both conversations, the speakers took the listeners on an intergenerational journey into the past, present and future.

Musically, the artist has Akeva! Malayika framed the event with their songs.

Thanks to all participants and supporters!

The artist Akeva! Malayika © Cengiz Akaygün

Nicole Kimmel, State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg next to Paulino José Miguel, Forum der Kulturen eV © Cengiz Akaygün

Eric Kamguia from Awoli eV and Komlan Batema from KAMA MBOWOU eV © Cengiz Akaygün

Naemi Mirene Makiadi from the ReCollect collective and Afrokids International eV © Cengiz Akaygün

Participants of the Africa Forum network meeting © Cengiz Akaygün

Komlan Batema and Naemi Mirene Makiadi in conversation © Cengiz Akaygün

Eric Kamguia and Grace Alele in conversation © Cengiz Akaygün

Question and answer session with speakers E. Kamguia, K. Batema, G. Alele, N. Makiadi (from left to right) moderated by Faisal Osman © Cengiz Akaygün

Become part of the network

Would you like to work with the Africa Forum Baden-Württemberg network to promote more exchange between actors in Afrodiasporic civil society and representatives from state politics, foundations, municipal representations and administration?

As part of the network, you strengthen the partnerships and the participation of those involved in global issues and actively contribute to rethinking the image of Africa in Baden-Württemberg.

We look forward to new faces and your interest in the Africa Forum Baden-Württemberg network and cordially invite you to become part of the network. Attend one of the events in the network or contact us if you would like to be included in our mailing list.