U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), played host to more than 1,200 attendees Monday at the third annual Opportunity: Africa conference at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.
The conference, highlighted by former President Bill Clinton’s keynote address, brought Delaware businesses, faith communities, and individuals together with experts on Africa to share insights on trade opportunities and issues including human rights challenges, sustainable development, food security, and global health.
This year’s conference focused on opportunities and challenges facing Africa today: addressing energy poverty, promoting business development, combatting wildlife trafficking, and empowering women leaders.
“When I began hosting this conference two years ago, I did so with the intention of uniting Delawareans focused on Africa, to help connect and cultivate the community among us,” said Coons. “Today, a diverse group of individuals from five different countries and 18 different states came together to hear from some of the most extraordinary experts, including former President Bill Clinton, about the incredible opportunities and ongoing challenges presented by the continent of the 21st century – Africa.”
The Clinton Foundation invests heavily in programs to strengthen African health systems and expand access to lifesaving treatments; to provide African farmers with the tools they need to increase their incomes and strengthen their communities; and to address climate change by working to improve energy efficiency, reverse deforestation, and help cities to develop sustainably. Clinton discussed some of the key issues impacting Africa and how the United States can be a force for growth and empowerment on the continent.
He cited the impact the U.S. has already made through AGOA and efforts to expand access to HIV/AIDS treatment, and emphasized the important work that must continue to expand access to opportunity, improve agricultural productivity, and combat the crisis of wildlife trafficking throughout Africa.
Despite the security challenges we face across the continent, Clinton said, “we dare not let ethnic and tribal conflicts overwhelm the staggering human potential in Africa.”
“No American official has demonstrated a greater commitment to Africa than President Bill Clinton, whose leadership on health, gender equality, trade, and food security began with his presidency and continues today with the Clinton Global Initiative and Clinton Foundation,” said Coons.
(From the office of U.S. Sen. Chris Coons)
