Africa-Europe Week is a period of events and thematic debates for a stronger people-centred relationship. It runs from 14 to 18 February 2022 and stakeholders from Africa and Europe will come together to strengthen partnerships between the two continents through a series of policy events and cultural performances in the margins of the 6th African Union – European Union Summit in Brussels.

We invite you to take part in the Local Government Day on Tuesday 15 February and provide full details below.

Global common challenges require the two continents to engage in a renewed series of political and policy dialogues with citizens at their centre. The improved cooperation envisaged by the Africa-Europe Week is set to bring benefits not only to Africa and Europe, but to the planet as a whole.

Three workstreams

The Week will revolve around three workstreams: the first two are policy-focused and will see civil society, local authorities and youth organisations discuss a wide range of themes, such as digital transformation, equitable green partnerships, health and education.

At the end of each thematic dialogue, the participants will present their policy recommendations to the African and European leaders. The third workstream has culture at its core. Cultural events such as music and film exhibitions will flood the Africa-Europe Week with the colours of diversity, bringing together artists and art enthusiasts from every corner of the two continents.

People-centred

The stakeholder-led approach that will characterise the Africa-Europe Week signals the beginning of more people-centred Africa-Europe relations, bringing tangible and concrete benefits to citizens. The Africa-Europe partnership was first established in 2000 during the Africa-EU Summit in Egypt. Since then, the two continents have engaged in several political dialogues and initiatives to bring forward a shared vision on a number of topics.

You can follow the Africa–Europe Week and register here. 

CLGF will be actively participating in Africa-Europe Week which takes place from 14 to 18 February 2022. Five days of debates, conferences, and cultural events to discuss ideas and best practices to shape the future of the partnership binding the two continents in all its forms, ahead of the 6th Africa Union – European Union Leaders Summit in Brussels. The full programme is available here. 

The event will bring together, both online and in-person, people from across the EU and Africa to discuss the strategic priorities and future perspectives of a more robust and people-centred Africa-EU partnership. The programme covers three main streams: civil society and local authorities, youth, and culture, with different sessions directly led by the stakeholders and beneficiaries of the partnership.

Local Government Day - 15 February

More specifically, CLGF is playing a key part with its partners in Local Government Day on 15 Feb, with the following sessions:

9.15–10.00 CET - The opening will be high level with the participation of the EU Commissioner, representatives of local government and civil society

10.30–12.30 CET - Delivering on the AU-EU partnership : local government's role

Across Africa and the European Union, cities and LRGs are initiating the transition to a new paradigm of development, exploring solutions to global problems of inclusivity, job creation, green economies, digitalisation, etc. This can only be done through strengthening partnerships for decision-making and delivery. This session will explore examples of good practice in partnerships for delivery both between Europe and Africa as well as between LRG and national governments, and highlight how only working with and through LRG will the ambitious AU-EU summit aspirations be achieved.

13.30–15.00 CET - Session 2: How are urban environment challenges considered in the green transition and recovery?

The Green transition requires the appropriate legal and financial framework and resources. Climate justice at COP27 represents a challenge and opportunity ahead of the EU and AU.

Closing: This session will allow local government to present its key messages towards the AU-EU Summit. 

Feeding into AU-EU Summit

The following day - 16 Feb - is a key day for local government to feed into the wider AU-EU Summit:

Meet the leaders session (13.00 – 16.30 CET)

This session will bring representatives of all the forums (youth Forum, LA-CSO forum, Business Forum) together with representatives from the member states participating in the AU-EU Summit to allow for the presentation of the key messages coming out of these forums. This session will be separated into three focal areas :

• Session 1 Human Development (13.00 – 14.00)
• Session 2 Green and Digital Transitions (14.20 – 15.20)
• Session 3 Sustainable Growth (15.30-16.30)

Register here!