Africa-related Events in the Washington, DC Metro Area

Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations, U.S. House of Representatives. 2172 Rayburn House Office Building

Wednesday, September 6, 2006. Noon to 2 p.m.
The Dialogue Project and the Women's Learning Partnership: "Women as Equal Citizens: Advocating for Change in Muslim-majority Societies". Kenney Auditorium, Nitze Building, SAIS.

Wednesday, September 6, 2006. 6.00PM - 9.00PM

Invitation to Pat Utomi's Contract With the Diaspora tour 2 (Nigeria). Doubletree Hotel Washington, 1515 Rhode Island Ave, NW, (Dupont Circle Metro Station), Washington, DC 20005 WASHINGTON, DC. Utomi-Political Action Committee (U-PAC). Participate in Washington DC event or any of the other campaign events throughout the US. The tour will provide an opportunity for attendees to hear Prof. Utomi articulate his strategy for building a transforming administration in Nigeria. Prof Utomi expects that you will vigorously engage him on his policy ideas, as well as his plans to create a more open, values-centered government led by principles-driven leaders. Email: upac@PatUtomi2007.com

September 6 - 9, 2006

Congressional Black Caucus 36th Annual Legislative Conference: "Changing Course, Confronting Crises, Continuing the Legacy"

Thursday, September 7, 2006
Measuring Commitment to Health: Using Global Health Indicators to Inform Donor Decisions. Center for Global Development

Thursday, September 7, 2006
A New UN Agency for Women: Who Needs It?. Center for Global Development

Thursday, September 7, 2006. 9 to 11a.m.
African Studies Program: "The Elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Perspectives from International Observers". Kenney Auditorium, Nitze Building, SAIS. Nancy J. Walker, president of AfricaNet, and independent consultants Tony Gambino and Paul Simo will discuss this topic. Members of the public should RSVP to Search for Common Ground, the event's co-host, at glpf@sfcg.org or 202.265.4300.

Thursday, September 7, 2006. 12:00-2:00pm

Lecture: " Piecing A Democratic Quilt". Presented by: Edward McMahon, Scott Baker, Richard Messick, Jennifer Windsor and Theodore Piccone. Venue: World Bank J building, (701 18th St.,) Room J1-050 (auditorium to the left of the lobby)

September 7-8, 2006. 9-5pm

High Level Panel on IMF Accountability. New Rules for Global Finance Coalition

September 7-9, 2006

Khabo-Mabe On Time presents The Annual South Africa Week.

Washington, DC

Friday, September 8, 2006, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

The Congressional Black Caucus 36th Annual Legislative Conference's Foreign Affairs Brain Trust on Africa: "AFRICA AT THE CROSSROADS:" Past Lessons, Current Crises, Future Directions

Friday, September 8, 2006. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
International Development Program: "Creating Fiscal Space: Fiscal Policy in a World of Scaled Up Aid". Rome 200, SAIS. 1619 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. Peter Heller, deputy director of the Fiscal Affairs Department at the International Monetary Fund, will discuss this topic. For more information about this event click here. To RSVP, contact the International Development Program at developmentroundtable@jhu.edu or 202.663.5929.

September 8-9, 2006

Lighten the Burden: A Gathering of United Methodists Working to Fight AIDS. United Methodist Church. How can United Methodist churches work together to lighten the burden of AIDS and HIV? Designed to help equip clergy and lay leaders who want to join in the global response to the AIDS crisis, this intensive conference offers valuable opportunities for learning, skill-building, and networking. The two-day agenda includes an array of compelling speakers, insightful workshops, inspiring messages, and thought-provoking discussion groups. Join us in Washington, D.C. and help make a difference! Location: Doubletree Hotel, 1515 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

Saturday, September 9, 2006. 12 noon

Darfur Escalation Rally at the White House. Join Africa Action and other activists to highlight the two year anniversary of the U.S. declaration that the situation in Darfur constitutes genocide. The rally will feature a number of speakers, and some activists will participate in an organized act of civil disobedience. Lafayette Park, in front of the White House, 16th & H Streets, NW, Washington, DC. Contact: Evelyn Sallah esallah@africaaction.org 202-546-7961

Monday, September 11, 2006
The Role of Voice and Leadership in Effective Local Governance: Theory and Evidence from Decentralization in Indonesia. Center for Global Development

Monday, September 11 2006, 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Sudan’s Peace Settlement: Progress and Perils. A daylong symposium, in partnership with the National Defense University to assess the progress and challenges in implementing Sudan's landmark Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Tuesday, September 12, 2006. 1:00-3:00 PM

Infotopia: How Many Minds Produce Knowledge. AEI-Brookings Joint Center Event. Wohlstetter Conference Center, Twelfth Floor, AEI, 1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036

Tuesday, September 12, 2006. 6-8pm.

The Cabral/Truth Circle: "Bridgestone Firestone Corporation, Slave-labor plantation owners in Liberia". The Cabral/Truth Circle is a series that focuses on the history and political movements of Africa and the African Diaspora. Every other month TransAfrica Forum will show a short documentary and host a discussion linking history and current affairs, and encouraging individual and collective activism. The topic for September will be the brutal slave labor conditions under which U.S. corporation Firestone Tires extracts rubber in Liberia. The presentation will include recent footage shot at the rubber plants in Liberia and a talk by Emira Woods, co-Director of Foreign Policy In Focus and co- founder of Stop Firestone! (www.stopfirestone.org). Admission is free, but seating is limited. Please come early. Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St (at 14th & V St NW), Washington, DC USA
Contact: 202-223-1960 x137. http://www.transafricaforum.org/poets.html

Wednesday, September 13, 2006. 9 – 11 am

After the Collapse of the Doha Round Talks: Time for New Directions in Agricultural Trade? The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, the University of Tennessee Agricultural Policy Analysis Center, and the Heinrich Boell Foundation cordially invite you to a discussion on After the Collapse of the Doha Round Talks: Time for New Directions in Agricultural Trade? At The Carlyle Suites Hotel, Ballroom, 1731 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC (close to Metro Dupont Circle North)

Wednesday, September 13 2006, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Live Webcast: Fishing for a Secure Future: Opportunities for Reforming Fisheries Governance

Patrick Christie, Assistant Professor, School of Marine Affairs and Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington; and Robert Pomeroy, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Connecticut with an introduction by Jacqueline Schafer, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade, USAID. Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Wednesday, September 13, 2006.

Merck Breakfast Series. Corporate Council on Africa. City Club-Franklin Square, Washington DC. Speaker: TBA. The breakfast forums give our members an opportunity to meet with key policy makers in an informal setting to discuss issues relevant to strengthening commercial relations between the United States and Africa. Event Contacts: Cynthia Phillips [cphillips@africacncl.org]

Wednesday, September 13, 2006. 12:00pm

Development Information Workgroup Event: Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Society for International Development

Wednesday, September 13, 2006. 12:00-2:00pm

Book Launch: "The Search for Empowerment: Social Capital as Idea and Practice at the World Bank". Presented by: Micheal Woolcock. World Bank J building, (701 18th St.,) Room J1-050 (auditorium to the left of the lobby)

Wednesday, September 13 2006, 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act at Six Years: Focus on Worker Rights in Swaziland

A launch and discussion of a recent Solidarity Center report, entitled Justice for All: The Struggle for Worker Rights in Swaziland. Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Thursday, September 14 2006, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.

Access to Urban Land. Panelists will discuss how rapid urbanization in the developing world has contributed to the growth of informality as a response to the failure of official housing policies and markets.

Thursday, September 14, 2006. 2:30 to 4 p.m.
International Reporting Project: "Human Rights, Public Health and HIV/AIDS". Rome 812, SAIS. 1619 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. Chris Beyrer, director of Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health and Human Rights, will discuss this topic. This event is open to the SAIS Community only. For more information, contact the International Reporting Project at 202.663.7726.

Thursday, September 14, 2006. 1:00pm

SID-Washington 50th Anniversary Event: "Transformational Diplomacy: Sharing the Vision," with Ambassador Randall L. Tobias. Society for International Development

Thursday, September 14, 2006. 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

TransAfrica Forum's Arthur R. Ashe, Jr. Foreign Policy Library, Howard University’s African Studies Department and Karibu Books present Ngugi wa Thiong’o. Howard University Blackburn Center's Auditorium (First Floor), Washington, DC 20059.

September 14-16, 2006.

Amnesty International Film Festival. National Geographic Society Headquarters
1600 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036

Monday, September 18, 2006. 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Libya: Prospects for Change. Speaker: Dr. Diederik (Dirk) Vandewalle. Middle East Institute.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006. 12:00-2:00pm

Lecture: " Efficient Learning For The Poor". Presented by: Helen Abadzi. World Bank J building, (701 18th St.,) Room J1-050 (auditorium to the left of the lobby)

Thursday, September 21, 2006. 10:00 - 11:00am

Ranking the Rich: The 2006 Commitment to Development Index

The 2006 Commitment to Development Index ranks 21 of the world’s richest countries based on their dedication to policies that benefit poorer nations worldwide. The index reminds the world that reducing poverty in developing countries is about far more than giving money. The index rates the quality and quantity of foreign aid, as well as trade, investment, migration, environment, security, and technology. Within each component, a country receives points for policies and actions that support poor nations in their efforts to build prosperity, good government, and security. Please join us for a discussion with David Roodman, Research Fellow at the Center for Global Development and chief architect and project manager of the Commitment to Development Index, on the results of the 2006 index and ways the index can educate, spark new debates, and motivate advocacy for more development-friendly policies. The 2006 Commitment to Development Index is accessible online at http://www.cgdev.org/section/initiatives/_active/cdi.

Friday, September 22, 2006. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
International Development Program: "Trade and Development: What is Holding Africa Back?" Rome 200, SAIS, 1619 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. Florizelle Liser, assistant U.S. trade representative for Africa and a SAIS graduate will discuss this topic. For more information about this event click here. To RSVP, contact the International Development Program at developmentroundtable@jhu.edu or 202.663.5929.

Saturday, September 23, 2006. 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM

African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association Gala Night Fundraiser. The African Women's Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA) invites you to an evening with Special Guest, First Lady of Ghana, Mrs. Theresa Kufuor and Keynote Speaker, Dr. Regina Benjamin of the Gulf Coast. We can't forget about our entertainment, "The African King of Comedey", Michael Blackson, will also be joining us. Funds raised from this event, will assist AWCAA in promoting cancer awareness through educational outreach programs and in continuing in providing cancer orphans with educational scholarships. Venue: The Capital Hilton Hotel 1001 16th Street, NW Washington DC 20036. Time: 6:00 - 7:00pm Cocktail Hour (CASH Bar) 7:00 - 12 Midnight GALA Event. Tickets: $75 per person - General Public $55 per stundent w/valid student ID. Visit www.awcaa.org for information on ticket purchases and GALA event or call 301-565-0420.

Monday, September 25 2006. 2:00 - 3:30pm

The Democracy Bureaucracy. President Bush has made the spread of democracy the central strategic goal of U.S. foreign policy. But is the U.S. Government properly organized to do so? Thomas Melia, Deputy Executive Director of Freedom House, presents his views on this topic, drawing from his recent article "The Democracy Bureaucracy" (which appeared in the summer issue of The American Interest). Melia argues against a top-down U.S. bureaucratic structure, instead proposing "pluralism in the promotion of pluralism." The event will be co-sponsored by SID-Washington and the International Development Program of the Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies. SAIS Professor Francis Fukuyama will host the event, and UNDP Senior Advisor David Yang will moderate the discussion. Society for International Development.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006. 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Participatory Approaches to Programming and Evaluation: A Means to Incorporate Gender Considerations into Development Projects. SID-Washington's Women in Development Workgroup, The Chemonics International Women in Development IQC, and the Gender Practice Network invite you to attend this seminar featuring panelists Leo Surla, President, MetaMetrics Inc., and Lyn Beth Neylon, Legal and Gender Specialist, Women’s Legal Rights Initiative. Are you looking for creative ways to incorporate gender into your development project? Are you tired of seeing a paragraph on “women’s issues” stuck onto the end of a proposal as its gender component? Society for International Development.

Tuesday September 26, 2006. 3-5:00pm

Book Launch:" Making Globalization Work". Presented by: Joseph Stiglitz. Preston Auditorium, World Bank

Wednesday, September 27, 2006. 7:30 p.m.

The Other Side of War: Women’s Stories of Survival and Hope. Cosponsored by Women for Women International. National Geographic. Zainab Salbi, celebrated author and founder of Women for Women International, presents heartrending and inspiring stories of real women struggling to thrive in war-torn regions around the world. Her subjects are tragic yet heroic figures whose lives demonstrate the notion that beauty and generosity of spirit can be found in abundance even in the aftermath of horrific disasters. Lekha Singh, one of three award-winning photographers whose images illustrate the book, will join Salbi in this program offering a fascinating look at women around the world as they undertake courageous battles to rebuild lives, families, and communities.

September 27-29, 2006

U.S.- Africa Infrastructure Conference. Corporate Council on Africa. Marriott 5151 Pooks Hill Road, Bethesda, Maryland. The Corporate Council on Africa invites you to participate in the premier U.S. event for U.S. companies focused on infrastructure opportunities, project development, and financing. Numerous business opportunities exist throughout the African continent. The 1st annual CCA U.S.-Africa Infrastructure Conference will feature sector-specific workshops, networking events, and forums on global best practices and lessons learned. Workshop panelists will include African Ministers of Planning and Finance, leading U.S. infrastructure companies, financial institutions, and international organizations. Event Contacts: Tim Bergstrom [ tbergstrom@africacncl.org ] 202-835-1117 Kennia Somerville [ ksomerville@africacncl.org ] 202-835-1117. Conference Brochure - http://www.africacncl.org/blobdnld.aspx?ce2ead85-988d-4521-92b3-c59eedc155f3

Thursday, September 28 2006. 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Book Discussion: Strategies of Dominance: The Misdirection of US Foreign Policy. Woodrow Wilson Center

Coming in October

October 7, 2006, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm

TransAfrica Forum's ARTHUR R. ASHE, JR. FOREIGN POLICY LIBRARY 13TH ANNIVERSARY RECEPTION & FUNDRAISER with Charlayne Hunter-Gault. Mimi’s American Bistro, 2120 P Street, NW, Washington, DC

October 11, 2006

Merck Breakfast Series. Corporate Council on Africa. Washington DC. Contact: Cynthia Phillips cphillips@africacncl.org

October 11, 2006 - 12:00 - 2:00pm

Development Information Workgroup Event: Blogs, Wikis, and Social Networking Tools. Join the SID-Washington Development Information Workgroup (DIW) for a presentation on Blogs, Wikis, and Social Networking Tools - Implications of Emerging "Interactive" Online Tools and Services for International Development with Joe Pringle, Project Director at Forum One Communications.

October 18, 2006

The 2006 Africare Dinner will present a salute to: The Honorable William J. Clinton, Recipient, 2006 Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award. Hilton Washington Hotel, 1919 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.

Coming in November

November 29, 2006

Oil and Gas Conference. Corporate Council on Africa. Bethesda, Maryland. Contact: Kathleen Wells kwells@africacncl.org

Africa Policy Journal (Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government)

African Vibes Magazine - A general-interest magazine that defines, reflects and celebrates Africa and Africans in the diaspora. In addition, it allows its readers to discover Africa and Africans, to experience Africa's rich culture, diversity, art, fashion, sports, wildlife, heritage, artists, tourism and more.