La Laguna Looks to Africa for a Shared Future through Cooperation
La Laguna Hosts Forum on Africa-Canary Islands Relations San Cristóbal de La Laguna will host a significant event on Thursday, focusing on the opportunities present in the relationship between the Canary Islands and Africa. The forum, titled “From Shore to Shore: Canary Islands and Africa, One Shared Sentiment,” aims to promote shared development, social justice, […]
La Laguna Hosts Forum on Africa-Canary Islands RelationsSan Cristóbal de La Laguna will host a significant event on Thursday, focusing on the opportunities present in the relationship between the Canary Islands and Africa. The forum, titled “From Shore to Shore: Canary Islands and Africa, One Shared Sentiment,” aims to promote shared development, social justice, and cooperation. Organised by the association África en Común and the Union of Neighbourhood Associations of the Canary Islands (UAVC), the event will gather officials, community representatives, and businesses, including the President of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo. Fran Hernández, the Councilor for Citizen Participation, emphasised the council’s commitment to supporting this initiative. He noted that the forum reflects La Laguna’s values of openness and cultural dialogue, calling it an important strategy for the future of the Canary Islands. Participants will explore the connections between the Canary Islands and Africa, focusing on the principles of the Economy of the Common Good, which prioritises human dignity, solidarity, social justice, and environmental sustainability. The agenda features discussions on changing business models, economic co-development, migration, community relations, and cultural exchanges. Sergio Pérez de la Cruz, president of África en Común, highlighted the aim of rethinking the interconnections between the Canary Islands and Africa through social justice and horizontal cooperation. He asserted that a new economic model fostering human-centred neighbourhoods is possible. Miguel Díaz from ICAS stated that the future of the Canary Islands relies on recognising Africa as an opportunity for shared growth rather than a threat. Francisco Barreto, representing the UAVC, underlined the role of local associations as agents of social transformation, encouraging both canarians and Africans to collaborate beyond prejudices for a better future. The forum will be held at the San Jerónimo Citizen Centre in Taco, featuring five discussion panels and a screening of the documentary “Back to the Roots. ” The day will conclude with a manifesto advocating a closer partnership between the Canary Islands and Africa based on mutual respect and cooperation. Those interested in attending can still register by emailing[email protected].