Rédaction Africa Links 24 with eamungo
Published on 2023-01-15 16:34:56
Minnesota Africans United (MAU) recently took proactive steps to advocate for Minnesota’s Expo 2027 bid during the US Africa Leaders’ Summit in Washington, DC. The bid aims to host the 2027 World Expo with the theme “Healthy People, Healthy Planet – Wellness and Well Being for All.” If Minnesota is selected, this would mark the first expo in the U.S. in nearly four decades.
The Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) announced in October that Minnesota USA Expo 2027’s bid to host a Specialized Expo has progressed to the next stage in the evaluation process. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time the BIE Executive Committee has considered a bid from the United States viable since 1980.
During President Biden’s US Africa Leaders’ Summit in December, leaders from across the African continent gathered to discuss the importance of US-Africa relations and cooperation on shared global priorities. The summit aimed to showcase Africa’s role in shaping the future and addressing urgent challenges faced by the world.
Basil Ajuo, President and CEO of MAU, expressed confidence in the strong support received for Minnesota’s bid from African leaders. The organization engaged with various African Diaspora and Consular Corp leaders to ensure that Expo 2027 would benefit the entire Midwest region. Meetings were held with representatives from countries such as Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Liberia, Somalia, and many others to garner support for Minnesota’s bid.
MAU has been actively lobbying government and business leaders at various international forums, including UN sessions in New York and the General Assembly gatherings of the Expo coordination body in Paris. The organization has also organized trade promotion delegations to African countries like Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, and Kenya. The presence of numerous African Heads of State in the U.S. during the summit presented a unique opportunity for MAU to advocate for Expo 2027.
Ajuo emphasized the need for unity among African Diaspora leaders and the importance of building partnerships that would benefit the continent. MAU is committed to leading trade delegations to African countries to promote two-way trade and investment between the U.S. and Africa. The organization envisions the Expo as a catalyst for economic advancement for African Diaspora living in Minnesota and for the continent as a whole.
Minnesota Africans United (MAU) serves as a coalition and statewide organization for African immigrant communities in Minnesota, representing individuals from 55 African countries. The organization acts as a bridge between African immigrants, local community organizations, and small businesses, fostering connections and promoting economic development within the African immigrant community.
In conclusion, MAU’s advocacy efforts at the US Africa Leaders’ Summit have garnered significant support for Minnesota’s Expo 2027 bid. The organization’s commitment to promoting trade and investment between the U.S. and Africa underscores the potential for the Expo to create opportunities for economic growth and collaboration on a global scale.
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