Europe-Africa: Vienna Discussion to Explore New Perspectives for Cooperation

``Europe-Africa: Perspectives for Cooperation”. (Photo: UPF, E-Baraka)

Titled “Europe-Africa: Perspectives for Cooperation” the evening discussion is organized by the Universal Peace Federation Austria (UPF Austria) and E-Baraka (Pan-African Institute for Development).

The discussion comes after the Austrian Government formally approved the Austrian-Africa Strategy 2026–2029 on June 3, 2026, which was subsequently endorsed by the Austrian Parliament on July 6.

The organizers say the evening will focus on a central question: How can these policies turn into actions?

The exchange will examine four priority areas and their implementation: stability, security and resilience; economic cooperation; migration and mobility; and education and science, cultural cooperation and environmental protection.

The organizers plan to bring together institutional actors, members of the business community, artists, the African diaspora and civil society to explore how the policy priorities can be put into practice. The program will combine discussion with art, music and African cuisine.

Speakers and program

The evening will open with remarks from Peter Haider, President of UPF Austria and Chair of the NGO Committee on Peace Vienna, and Dr. Camillus Konkwo, Initiator of Europe-Africa Connect.

The program will then feature:

Austria’s Africa Cooperation: Esther Madi, Founder of E-Baraka (Pan-African Institute for Development)
Inclusion of Local Communities in Bilateral Cooperation: Dr. Leo Gabriel, anthropologist, journalist and member of the International Committee of the World Social Forum
Cultural Dialogue as a Means of Cooperation: Ibrahim Jalloh, Founder and Director of Pulaaku Vienna
Musical Performance: Sahel Mélodie
Networking Buffet: featuring Ivorian specialities  

A broader conversation on Africa and Europe

The event is intended not only as a policy discussion but also as an opportunity for dialogue among communities with different experiences of Europe-Africa relations.

E-Baraka, described by the organizers as the Pan-African Institute for Development, is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening Africa’s economic, social and cultural sectors.

The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) is a global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to building a world of peace in which people can live in freedom, harmony, cooperation and prosperity. UPF holds General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

With Austria’s Africa Strategy now formally in place, the Vienna gathering will provide a forum to consider what implementation might look like beyond government policy — and how institutions, communities, businesses and cultural actors can contribute to a more practical relationship between Europe and Africa.

Poster for “Europe-Africa: Perspectives for Cooperation” (Photo: UPF, E-Baraka)

Event: Europe-Africa: Perspectives for Cooperation
Date: Friday, September 4, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Seidengasse 28 im Hof 1. Stiege, 1070 Vienna
Organizers: Universal Peace Federation Austria and E-Baraka

Official event information: Europe-Africa: Perspectives for Cooperation – UPF Austria.