Millions are gathering around the world this year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Organization of African Unity, predecessor of the African Union. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary wishes to commemorate this historic date by convening the first Budapest Africa Forum on 6-7 June 2013, hosted by Budapest. Our initiative is also in line with the Hungarian foreign policy strategy of „Global Opening”, aimed at revitalizing ties with those parts of the world that were not in the focus of our country’s attention in the past few years.

Africa is the continent of the future. Sub-Saharan Africa in particular has recorded an economic growth rate over the world average and is one of the most dynamically developing parts of the world with an ever-growing influence in global issues. Being conscious of the region’s huge potential and scope for development, as well as its increased significance in international politics, Sub-Saharan Africa is among the focal regions of Hungary’s Global Opening Strategy.

The Budapest Africa Forum is aimed at drawing the attention of our African partners as well as Hungarian non-state actors to the numerous opportunities lying in the development of political and commercial relations, as well as scientific, educational and technological cooperation with the countries of the Sub-Saharan Africa.

Although the Forum will be centred around the events of 6-7 June, several side events organized before that date (starting from 23 May) will put a spotlight on African arts and culture.