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Geldof “New Thinking” Initiative

» Independent Seminar Series

» Papers and Essays

» Letters from Africans

Independent Seminar Series

Bob GeldofBob Geldof's series of independent seminars in several G8 countries were a key element of the Commission’s consultation programme. The seminars aimed to take a fresh look at the tasks facing the Commission for Africa, with an open door to challenge assumptions about what is required and to reflect on perceptions and priorities in each country.

The seminars brought together thinkers and practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds. Participants included experts who have worked on issues related to Africa and others who brought expertise from other fields to the debate.

The reports of the debate appear below. Many participants also contributed papers and essays to the wider Commission debate.

Half-way through the series, Bob Geldof reported some of the findings the second meeting of the Commission for Africa. His report is available here.
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Geldof Report on Seminar Series Download Acrobat file

United Kingdom

London School of EconomicsTwo seminars took place in the UK. The first, titled "The Future of Africa" took place at the London School of Economics in London on 5 July 2004. The co-chairs were Professor Tim Besley and Sir Nick Stern, Director of Policy for the Commission for Africa. The second, titled “New Thinking on Africa” took place at Marlborough House on 20 July 2004. The co-chairs were Paul Vallely and Bob Geldof.
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5 July LSE Seminar Programme and Participants Download Acrobat file
5 July LSE Seminar Summary of Discussion Download Acrobat file
20 July Marlborough House Seminar Programme and Participants Download Acrobat file
20 July Marlborough House Summary of Discussion Download Acrobat file
On January 26 2005, as an addition to the seminars, Bob Geldof hosted a special roundtable on information technology, communications and infrastructure. The event was co-chaired by Lesley Riddoch and Bob Geldof.
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26 January 2005 Seminar Summary of Discussion Download Acrobat file

Germany

The German seminar, entitled ¨African Commission-Germany¨ took place in Berlin on 6 July. The event was co-chaired by Dr Jeremy Gaines, journalist and writer, and Bob Geldof.
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Berlin Seminar Participants Download Acrobat file
Berlin Seminar Chairman’s Note Download Acrobat file
Berlin Seminar Summary of Discussion Download Acrobat file

Italy

Aspen Institute ItaliaThe Italian seminar, entitled "The Future of Africa; the Commitment of Italian Society" was hosted by the Aspen Institute in Rome on 5 October 2004. Fellow Commissioner Fola Adeola joined Bob Geldof in Rome for the event. The co-chairs were Peter Reiliing of the Aspen Institute and Bob Geldof, and coordinated by Marta Dassu.
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Rome Seminar Programme Download Acrobat file
Rome Seminar Participants Download Acrobat file
Rome Seminar Summary of Discussion Download Acrobat file

France

The France seminar took place at the Hôtel de Lassy, Paris on 18 November 2004. The seminar was co-chaired by Jack Lang and Bob Geldof, and coordinated by Gilbert Erouart.
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Paris Seminar Participants Download Acrobat file
Paris Seminar Summary of Discussion Download Acrobat file

United States

Bob Geldof talks to the press after the New York seminar Bob Geldof talks to the press after the New York seminar The United States seminar was entitled 'Fresh Ideas for a Prosperous Africa. It was hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations in New York and took place on 19 November 2004. The seminar was co-chaired by Princeton Lynam, Senior Fellow and Director of Africa Policy Studies at the Council, and Bob Geldof.
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New York Seminar Summary of Discussion Download Acrobat file
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