IAS Africa Summit Event Series

After a launch event & cultural exhibition on Monday 28th October, we continue on Tuesday 29th October where the Africa Summit will delve into the powerful role of sports as a catalyst for societal resilience and cohesion. With a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa’s innovative use of sports to drive positive change, this session will explore the intersection of sports with national health programmes, sustainable infrastructure, and community well-being. Participants will engage with real-world examples of how sports have fostered social cohesion, supported public health initiatives, and enhanced climate resilience across African communities. The session will also examine the potential for the UK to adopt similar strategies, integrating sports into sustainability and climate action frameworks to create more resilient and cohesive communities.

On Wednesday 30th October, the Africa Summit will focus on climate change and net-zero ambitions, with a particular emphasis on the lessons Sub-Saharan Africa offers in resilience and adaptability. This session will present case studies of innovative approaches to climate challenges. These strategies have proven effective in enhancing community resilience and sustainability in resource-limited settings. The discussions will focus on how these adaptable and scalable solutions can be tailored to support the UK’s ambitious net-zero targets.

Finally on Thursday 31st October, the Africa Summit will focus on the importance of inclusivity in building resilient and sustainable urban and peri-urban communities. This session will explore how inclusive urban development can drive social cohesion, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability, particularly through the lens of successful projects across Sub-Saharan Africa. By prioritising the participation of diverse and marginalised groups, urban areas can unlock innovative solutions to address challenges such as housing, transportation, and environmental management. Participants will examine how these inclusive strategies can be adapted to the UK’s urban development context, ensuring that urban planning promotes equity and long-term resilience.