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AfroForward: Future Ready, Further United
Friday, April 11 starting at 2:00 pm
CFLD Hall, B1 Level of Schwarzman College
Join us in celebration of the 2nd Afro-Forward Conference. This annual gathering brings together change makers, innovators, and thought leaders committed to shaping a brighter future for the African continent and its Diaspora. This forum is dedicated to highlighting current events across the African continent, engaging in cross-diaspora discourse on collective development, and enhancing the knowledge of future change-makers. Together, we are building a future ready and further united tomorrow.
How Tsinghua and Peking University students, faculty, and staff can attend this event
Who can attend this event?
This signup is open to currently enrolled Tsinghua and Peking University students as well as faculty and staff currently employed by Tsinghua and Peking University. A valid student, staff, or faculty ID card from eith Tsinghua or Peking University is required for every attendee. We have 150 seats available for this session.
What is required to join this event?
All event guests must present a valid registration from this website (Bag Event 百格活动)as well as a valid Tsinghua or Peking University ID Card when entering Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University for this event.
Entering and Exiting Schwarzman College
Registered attendees may enter Schwarzman College 30 minutes before the session begins. For this session, doors open at 1:30 pm. No attendees will be admitted after 4:30 pm.
Following the conclusion of this event at 6:00 pm, Schwarzman College's status as a dormitory means we must ask that all attendees who join us for the session as event guests exit the building. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this policy.
After completing her Bachelor's and Master's in the United States, Cann worked in the public relations industry in Kingston, Jamaica, for five years. In 2015, she embarked on a new journey at Communication University of China (CUC), where she attained her Ph.D. in Communication Studies. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Education at the University of North Georgia. Cann's research interests include the China - Caribbean relationship, intercultural communication as well as race, queer and identity studies. For the past seven years, Cann has taught English and communication courses in Beijing, China. She is currently an Assistant Teaching Professor for a dual degree program between the University of Colorado, Denver, and International College Beijing, based at China Agricultural University.
Aisha is a leadership consultant with 22 years of experience in tech, HR, and operations. She has coached clients from over 30 countries and specializes in cross-cultural communication, public speaking, and purpose-driven team development. A seasoned expatriate, she has lived in China and Malaysia.
Pezulu Levy is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist with over a decade of expertise in Regulatory Compliance, Financial Integrity, Research, Project Management, and Training Provision. His career highlights include significant roles within Zambia's regulatory agencies, focusing on Competition and Consumer Protection, as well as Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation (AML/CFTP). He actively contributes as a Committee Member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) AML/CFT Committee. He currently serves as a Senior AML/CFT Compliance Officer at Zambia's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). He holds an MBA from University of Lusaka and is presently based in Beijing, China, pursuing postgraduate studies at Tsinghua University with a specialization in Public Policy and Management.
Public Sector Specialist | Policy Expert | Sustainable Development Analyst.
Rwandan public sector specialist with over six years of experience in government service at the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, where he contributed to policy-making and governance reforms. Currently pursuing a Master's in International Public Administration at Tsinghua University's School of Public Policy and Management.
Key Focus Areas:
✔ Public Policy & Governance
✔ Industrialization & Economic Development
✔ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
✔ Public Sector Innovation & Reform
Daniel has 14 years of government service and three years in financial crimes. He works in Zambia’s intelligence unit to combat money laundering through policy and operations. He is currently an enrolled graduate student at Tsinghua University.
David Okoronkwo is a C9 Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University and a growing expert in sustainability in agriculture, food production, and technology. He co-founded the nonprofit initiative, Youths Organizing for Sustainability in Agriculture (YOSA), driven by his commitment to bolster agrifood systems' resilience to climate change by providing actionable micro-climate cues to rural farmers. He aspires to advance his expertise in agribusiness, climate, and economics, crucial for advancing Africa's sustainable economic transition.
Dr. Bernard William Chitunga is a global development leader with experience and expertise in partnerships, development concessional finance, and multilateralism in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. As a titular head of this public chartered university founded in 1952, Dr. Chitunga, at age 36, holds the distinction of being the youngest Kenyan ever appointed as a Chancellor in the history of the country. Currently, Dr. Chitunga is a Partnership Specialist and Secretariat - Special Funds Management at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing, China.
DONGLONA ADAWA THOMAS, originally from Chad, is a Ph.D. candidate at the School of International Studies, Peking University. He serves as the President of the Peking University African Students Association (PUASA). Additionally, he is an Assistant at the Center for African Studies, Peking University. Thomas is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in International Politics, specializing in African Studies. His research focuses on African security issues, governance, indigenous knowledge production, and capacity building. He also explores Africa's relations with major global powers and emerging economies, including China, the United States, France, Russia, and Turkey. His Ph.D. thesis is centered on "African Solutions to African Problems: A Study on African Indigenous Security Governance in the 21st-Century”.
Titus has led key power and telecom projects in Kenya and is currently a Masters student in Nuclear Energy at Tsinghua University. He focuses on PPPs for large-scale infrastructure and advocates for sustainable development across Africa.
Based in Beijing, Dr. Mendo'o is a Scholar, and intercultural bridge-builder. Recognized by MIPAD under 40 for humanitarian work, he holds a Ph.D. in International Politics. Fluent in 10+ languages, he has engaged rural Chinese communities to foster mutual understanding. He has twice received replies from President Xi Jinping, and is widely decorated for his contributions to China-Africa relations. He currently works at the China Africa Business Council a non for profit operating under the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, focused on expanding traded between China and Africa.
Eden Salviato is an Ethiopian-Italian multimedia producer whose work focuses on human interest stories and agriculture. Her projects have been showcased at COP 28 in Dubai. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Chinese Politics, Foreign Policy, and International Relations at the School of Social Sciences at Tsinghua University.
Check In and Registration
Conference Introduction
Keynote Address
Short Break
Panel 1: Securing a Prosperous Future
How do we secure a prosperous future for African peoples in an Era of Deglobalization?
Panel 1 Q&A
Short Break
Panel 2: Radical African Solutions
What are some Radical African solutions for tangible innovation and leapfrog development?
Panel 2 Q&A
Short Break
Breakout Discussions: Policy Briefs
Closing Remarks
Short Break
Networking Mixer
Check In and Registration
Conference Introduction
Keynote Address
Based in Beijing, Dr. Mendo'o is a Scholar, and intercultural bridge-builder. Recognized by MIPAD under 40 for humanitarian work, he holds a Ph.D. in International Politics. Fluent in 10+ languages, he has engaged rural Chinese communities to foster mutual understanding. He has twice received replies from President Xi Jinping, and is widely decorated for his contributions to China-Africa relations. He currently works at the China Africa Business Council a non for profit operating under the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, focused on expanding traded between China and Africa.
Short Break
Panel 1: Securing a Prosperous Future
After completing her Bachelor's and Master's in the United States, Cann worked in the public relations industry in Kingston, Jamaica, for five years. In 2015, she embarked on a new journey at Communication University of China (CUC), where she attained her Ph.D. in Communication Studies. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Education at the University of North Georgia. Cann's research interests include the China - Caribbean relationship, intercultural communication as well as race, queer and identity studies. For the past seven years, Cann has taught English and communication courses in Beijing, China. She is currently an Assistant Teaching Professor for a dual degree program between the University of Colorado, Denver, and International College Beijing, based at China Agricultural University.
Aisha is a leadership consultant with 22 years of experience in tech, HR, and operations. She has coached clients from over 30 countries and specializes in cross-cultural communication, public speaking, and purpose-driven team development. A seasoned expatriate, she has lived in China and Malaysia.
Public Sector Specialist | Policy Expert | Sustainable Development Analyst.
Rwandan public sector specialist with over six years of experience in government service at the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, where he contributed to policy-making and governance reforms. Currently pursuing a Master's in International Public Administration at Tsinghua University's School of Public Policy and Management.
Key Focus Areas:
✔ Public Policy & Governance
✔ Industrialization & Economic Development
✔ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
✔ Public Sector Innovation & Reform
Titus has led key power and telecom projects in Kenya and is currently a Masters student in Nuclear Energy at Tsinghua University. He focuses on PPPs for large-scale infrastructure and advocates for sustainable development across Africa.
Panel 1 Q&A
Short Break
Panel 2: Radical African Solutions
Pezulu Levy is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist with over a decade of expertise in Regulatory Compliance, Financial Integrity, Research, Project Management, and Training Provision. His career highlights include significant roles within Zambia's regulatory agencies, focusing on Competition and Consumer Protection, as well as Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation (AML/CFTP). He actively contributes as a Committee Member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) AML/CFT Committee. He currently serves as a Senior AML/CFT Compliance Officer at Zambia's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). He holds an MBA from University of Lusaka and is presently based in Beijing, China, pursuing postgraduate studies at Tsinghua University with a specialization in Public Policy and Management.
David Okoronkwo is a C9 Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University and a growing expert in sustainability in agriculture, food production, and technology. He co-founded the nonprofit initiative, Youths Organizing for Sustainability in Agriculture (YOSA), driven by his commitment to bolster agrifood systems' resilience to climate change by providing actionable micro-climate cues to rural farmers. He aspires to advance his expertise in agribusiness, climate, and economics, crucial for advancing Africa's sustainable economic transition.
Dr. Bernard William Chitunga is a global development leader with experience and expertise in partnerships, development concessional finance, and multilateralism in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. As a titular head of this public chartered university founded in 1952, Dr. Chitunga, at age 36, holds the distinction of being the youngest Kenyan ever appointed as a Chancellor in the history of the country. Currently, Dr. Chitunga is a Partnership Specialist and Secretariat - Special Funds Management at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing, China.
DONGLONA ADAWA THOMAS, originally from Chad, is a Ph.D. candidate at the School of International Studies, Peking University. He serves as the President of the Peking University African Students Association (PUASA). Additionally, he is an Assistant at the Center for African Studies, Peking University. Thomas is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in International Politics, specializing in African Studies. His research focuses on African security issues, governance, indigenous knowledge production, and capacity building. He also explores Africa's relations with major global powers and emerging economies, including China, the United States, France, Russia, and Turkey. His Ph.D. thesis is centered on "African Solutions to African Problems: A Study on African Indigenous Security Governance in the 21st-Century”.
Eden Salviato is an Ethiopian-Italian multimedia producer whose work focuses on human interest stories and agriculture. Her projects have been showcased at COP 28 in Dubai. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Chinese Politics, Foreign Policy, and International Relations at the School of Social Sciences at Tsinghua University.
Panel 2 Q&A
Short Break
Breakout Discussions: Policy Briefs
Closing Remarks
Short Break
Networking Mixer