ADS 2025, Sub-theme 2 – Video Interviews with Experts

In Focus

Latest updates

  • Register to participate in the ADS 2025 International Webinars and Youth Dialogue:
  • Sub-theme 3: Building the Future: Healing and Reparations towards Socio-Economic Justice for Africans and People of African Descent webinar on 21 May and Youth Stage on 22 May.
  • Register to attend the High-Level Policy Dialogue in-person or online on 30 May.

 

In case you missed it

  • Watch the recording of the International Webinars that took place on 7 May and 14 May.
  • Watch the recording of the Youth Stages that took place on 8 May and 15 May.
  • Read our new policy brief on Understanding the Present: Economic, Social and Cultural Justice for Sustainable Development 

Week 2 | Day Two — 13 May

Experts from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Pan African Parliament (PAP) share their insights in relation to this week's sub-theme, "Understanding the Present: Economic, Social and Cultural Justice for Sustainable Development." Their incisive analyses complement the documentary videos published on the first day of the second week at the Africa Dialogue Series 2025. From the high cost of borrowing to the heavy debt burden and unfair trade structures, the experts highlight how current structures impede sustainable development in both Africa and the Diaspora and why it is imperative to address them to ensure justice for Africans and people of African descent. 

 

Breaking the Shackles that Limit Africa and the Diaspora's Economic Growth and Development

Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary atthe United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Claver Gatete spells out the impediments to Africa's progress and the need to address injustices in the global trade system, which is skewed against Africa and stunts economic growth and subsequent development. He outlines the historical manifestations of past injustices, which affect the continent's development despite its wealth in resources. He also proposes solutions for Africa and the African Diaspora to move forward collaboratively.

 

 

Hon. Fatoumatta Njai Sets Conditions for Effective Reparative Justice

In this interview, Hon. Fatoumatta Njai, a Member of Parliament from the Pan African Parliament (PAP) sets the conditions for creating a conducive environment for effective reparative justice. She makes some recommendations for African States to implement to create an environment that fosters justice.

 

 

Martin Kimani: Justice, Digital Equity & Solidarity for People of African Descent

Ambassador Martin Kimani, Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, shares his vision for justice, reparations, and stronger ties between Africa and its diaspora. He highlights priorities like economic empowerment, digital inclusion, and ensuring no one is left behind in global development.

 

 

Joan Kagwanja on land policy, culture and heritage

Joan Kagwanja, Coordinator, Africa Land Policy Centre (ALPC) illustrates how the past and the present intersect. In this interview, she talks about land governance, ownership, cuture and economic empowerment. This builds on the interviews from week 1, which showed the negative impact of land tenure systems on local populations during the colonial era in most of Africa.

 

 

Building Back Better for a More Prosperous and Sustainable Africa

Jean-Paul Adam, former Director for Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) speaks about creating employment, building resilience, while promoting nature-based solutions. This is essential for sustainable development and wealth creation while maximising available resources.

 

 

General Information

Launch Messages

Week 1: 5 - 9 May

Sub-theme 1: Learning from the Past: Transatlantic Slave Trade, Colonialism, Extractive Economies and Institutions in Africa

Week 2: 12 - 16 May

Sub-theme 2: Understanding the Present: Economic, Social and Cultural Justice for Sustainable Development

Week 3: 19 - 23 May

Sub-theme 3: Building the Future: Healing and Reparations towards Socio-Economic Justice for Africans and People of African Descent

30 May

High-level Policy Dialogue

  • HLPD Home
  • HLPD Programme
  • High-level Opening Segment
  • Setting the Stage
  • Interactive Roundtable on the Theme of ADS 2025
  • Closing Segment

Media

  • Press Materials
  • Statements
  • Contact