With the curtain having fallen on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, global attention is set to shift from the football pitch to the policy arena as Africa prepares to host the inaugural World Public Summit Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 29 and 30.

Held under the theme “A New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future,“ the summit will bring together government leaders, diplomats, business executives, entrepreneurs, academics, innovators, civil society organisations, media professionals and cultural figures from across Africa and beyond.

The event marks the first time the World Public Summit has been staged on the African continent, underscoring Africa’s growing influence in global discussions on trade, innovation, sustainable development, public diplomacy and international cooperation.

Organisers say that while the FIFA World Cup united billions through sport, the World Public Summit seeks to channel that same spirit of international connection through dialogue, innovation and collaboration aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing economic, technological and social challenges.

A major attraction of the summit will be the international “Unity” art exhibition, featuring leading contemporary artists from 16 African countries. The exhibition will showcase paintings, sculptures, digital art and mixed-media works celebrating Africa’s cultural diversity while reinforcing the summit’s message that creativity can bridge cultures, foster dialogue and strengthen mutual understanding.

Beyond policy discussions, the summit is expected to provide a platform for business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and cultural stakeholders to forge partnerships across industries, highlighting the increasing importance of international gatherings that combine diplomacy, commerce, culture and tourism.

“Major global events capture the world’s attention in different ways,” said Andrey Belyaninov, Secretary-General of the World Peoples Assembly.

“Unity does not mean uniformity. It is born of respect for cultural diversity, mutual trust, openness, and a willingness to understand one another. This is why art, just like sports, remains one of humanity’s most universal languages and one of the most effective instruments of public diplomacy. It brings people together where words alone may fail,” he said.

Another key initiative to be launched during the summit is an international interdisciplinary scientific study titled “The Zambezi River: Economy, Society, Soul.“ The research will examine the socioeconomic impact of the Zambezi River on six African countries—Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique.

According to the organisers, the project reflects the summit’s broader vision of promoting Africa’s development through interconnected perspectives encompassing economic opportunity, social progress and cultural identity.

The Addis Ababa gathering forms part of the expanding World Public Summit series, with another flagship summit scheduled to take place in Russia in September. Together, the events are designed to establish a year-round platform for international cooperation across regions and sectors.

Tsegaye Chama, General Secretary of the Global Black Centre, said the African edition would set a high standard for future gatherings.

“The Summit will be delivered with exceptional distinction, reflecting the magnitude and spirit of the World Peoples Assembly. It embodies a unity that is not transactional, but purposeful and conscious—a unity that shapes new contours for a world that works for all peoples of the world,” Chama said.

With delegates expected from across the globe, the inaugural World Public Summit Africa is poised to position Addis Ababa—already home to the African Union and numerous international organisations—as a focal point for dialogue on Africa’s role in shaping an increasingly interconnected world.

 

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Nigerians living in Canada have appealed to the Canadian government to support efforts aimed at tackling the growing wave of kidnappings in Nigeria, citing the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers as a troubling example of the country’s worsening security situation.

The call was made during a protest rally in Toronto, where members of the Nigerian diaspora gathered to draw international attention to what they described as an alarming surge in kidnappings across different parts of Nigeria.

Speaking at the rally, the Initiator and Coordinator of Bring Back Our Children, Otunba Kemi Agbeke Olanrewaju, said the demonstration was organised to seek Canada’s support in addressing the crisis and to pressure Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted victims.

“We are here regarding our children being kidnapped. The children have been kidnapped by bandits for over two weeks now, and this is not the first time people have been abducted in Nigeria,” Olanrewaju said.

According to her, kidnappings have become widespread across the country, affecting communities in the North, South-West, South-East and other regions.

Describing the latest incident as particularly disturbing, she noted that children aged between two and 14 years were among those abducted.

“Our children went to school and never came back. Imagine, children are not safe in Nigeria. We are calling on the government of Nigeria to come to our aid. We are tired; enough is enough,” she said.

Olanrewaju lamented that teachers were also among those kidnapped and alleged that one victim had been killed while in captivity.

“Nigeria is bleeding right now,” she declared. “They should please set our children free. We are calling on the Canadian government to support us.”

She further urged authorities and the international community to work towards the safe return of the abducted children and teachers.

“Bring back our children, now and alive. We will not be silent. We will not look away. We will continue to speak, organise and advocate until our children are returned and meaningful action is taken,” she added.

Also addressing the gathering, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Canadian Association, Toyin Adebola, said Nigerians in the diaspora were increasingly frustrated by the recurring incidents of kidnapping and insecurity in their homeland.

“Canadians, we’re standing here under the sun not because we’re comfortable, but because it is a necessity. We are mothers, and we come from Nigeria, where children and teachers are being kidnapped from schools daily,” Adebola said.

She expressed concern that many Nigerians had fallen victim to kidnappings over the years without sufficient action being taken to curb the menace.

“We are tired. We are no longer proud to be called Nigerians because this is heartbreaking. The land is bleeding. We are tired,” she said.

Adebola called on the Canadian government to use its diplomatic influence to encourage stronger action from Nigerian authorities.

“As citizens, we are tired. As fathers, we are tired. We need the government of Canada to step up and push our Nigerian government to address this crisis,” she added.
The protesters vowed to continue their advocacy campaign until the kidnapped children and teachers are rescued and broader measures are implemented to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.

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Morocco has received renewed diplomatic backing from Germany over its Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, reinforcing Rabat’s growing international support base on one of its most sensitive national issues.

The endorsement came during the second session of the Morocco-Germany Multilateral Strategic Dialogue held in Rabat, where German official Johann Wadephul met with Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

In a joint declaration issued after the talks, Germany reaffirmed its position that Morocco’s autonomy initiative represents a “serious and credible basis” for achieving a final, mutually acceptable solution to the long-standing dispute over Western Sahara.

The declaration also welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted in October 2025, which endorses Morocco’s proposal as a framework for negotiations.

Germany further praised Morocco’s readiness to engage constructively with all parties to clarify the plan’s modalities, including how autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty would be implemented.

Strategic Partnership Expands

Beyond the Sahara question, the Rabat meeting underscored the expanding strategic partnership between Morocco and Germany.

Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in security and defence, including military and armament collaboration, reflecting shared concerns over regional stability—particularly in the Sahel.

They also signalled progress toward easing travel restrictions, with ongoing discussions aimed at eliminating visa requirements for holders of service passports.

Germany described Morocco as a key partner not only bilaterally but also within broader international frameworks, including ties with the European Union and NATO.

Regional and Global Focus

Discussions extended to pressing international issues, with both sides emphasising the need for coordinated efforts to maintain peace and stability in volatile regions.

Germany commended Morocco’s proactive diplomatic role under King Mohammed VI, highlighting Rabat’s contributions to regional security and conflict resolution.

On the Middle East, both ministers called for strict adherence to ceasefire agreements and urged all parties to halt military operations, ensuring safe navigation through strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.

They also reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for a democratic and viable Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel.

Germany specifically acknowledged Morocco’s engagement in Middle Eastern diplomacy, particularly through King Mohammed VI’s role as chairman of the Al Quds Committee.

Diplomatic Momentum for Rabat

The latest German endorsement adds to Morocco’s growing diplomatic momentum on the Western Sahara issue, as Rabat continues to rally international support for its autonomy proposal.

For Morocco, the Rabat dialogue represents more than routine diplomacy—it is a strategic consolidation of alliances, reinforcing its position on the global stage while advancing its vision for a negotiated resolution to one of Africa’s longest-running disputes.