Report of The 4th African Ambassadors Interactive Forum

Held at Kensington Town Hall, London, November 28-29, 2007

1. Introduction

The 4th African Ambassadors Interactive Forum (AAIF4) convened at Kensington Town Hall, London, from November 28-29, 2007. INGO Third Sector Resource commissioned CTP International Training and Consulting to conduct an independent evaluation of the event. This report presents key ndings from the formal feedback questionnaire distributed to participants, aiming to enhance future event quality.

2. Background

Since its inception in June 2004, the AAIF series has facilitated crucial exchanges on African development. AAIF4 aimed to foster dialogue between African Ambassadors in Europe and the Diaspora, addressing poverty challenges. INGO, founded in 2002, orchestrated the event to enhance Third Sector support for education, health, and poverty reduction

3. Summary of Key Contributions (Calls to Action)

Key contributors emphasized the role of the Diaspora in social sector investments and underscored women's signicance in Africa's development. Calls for proactive engagement with Nigerian Diaspora for economic growth were highlighted, along with Liberia's historic female presidency and the potential of African talent.

4. Summary of Forum Resolutions

Deliberations resulted in resolutions advocating for African Missions to boost inward investment, prioritize security improvements, and foster ongoing dialogue with the Diaspora. Efforts to counter negative media portrayal and enhance African Missions' accessibility were emphasized.

5. Summary of Feedback

Of 1,250 distributed questionnaires, 600 responses yielded insights on forum usefulness and relevance. Majority found the forum very useful, gaining new insights and relevance to their roles. While plenary sessions received high ratings, catering quality and venue accessibility were areas for improvement. Below is a summary of the responses received:-

I. Which of these best describes your role? · Diplomat: 162 (27%); Decision-maker: 208 (34%); Activist: 155 (26%); Other: 75 (12.5%)

II. Which of these best describes the sector you work in? · Government: 204 (34); 170 (11.6); 38 (6.3); 188 (31.3)

III. Which of these best describes the region in which you normally reside? · UK: 344 (57.3); Europe: 162 (27); Africa: 77 (12.8); Asia: 3 (0.3); N. America: 12 (2); S. America: 2 (0.3); Australasia: 0 IV. How useful overall was the forum for you? · Not very useful: 23 (3.8); Very useful: 577 (96)

V.Did you gain any new insights on the subjects discussed? · None: 4 (0.6): Few: 12 (2); Many: 585 (97.5)

VI How relevant to your current role responsibilities was the forum? · Not highly relevant: 16 (2.66); highly relevant: 584 (97.3)

VII To what extent did the forum meet your expectations? · Not at all 9: (1.5); partially: 88 (14.6); fully: 503 (83.8)

VIII. What was the most useful part of the forum for you and why? · Plenary: 306 (51); Networking: 102 (17); Awards: 192 (32)

IX.Please rate the following features of the forum? First Plenary Day 1
· Poor: 9 (1.5); Average: 20 (3.3); Excellent: 471 (78.5) Second Plenary Day 1 · Poor: 1 (.16): Average: 31(5.16); Excellent: 568 (94.6) First Plenary Day 2 · Poor: 0 (0); Average: 9(1.5); Excellent: 591 (98.5) Second Plenary Day 2 · Poor: 6 (1); Average: 14 (2.3); Excellent: 580 (96.6) Catering (lunch and dinner) · Poor: 357 (59.5); Average: 171 (28.5); Excellent: 72 (12) Awards Dinner/Cultural night · Poor: 5 (.83): Average: 61 (10.1); Excellent: 534 (89) The venue (easy to nd and accessibility) · Poor: 138 (23); Average: 116 (19.3); Excellent: 346 (57.6)

6. Summary of Recommendations

Crucial recommendations include prioritizing time management, enhancing African Diaspora representation, and improving catering quality. Encouraging concise speaker contributions, engaging mainstream UK media, and rening marketing strategies were highlighted for future enhancements

CONCLUSION

AAIF4 exemplied INGO's commitment to fostering African development through constructive dialogue and actionable resolutions. Recommendations from the evaluation aim to rene future events, ensuring impactful engagement and sustainable progress for Africa's prosperity.