By Zika Bobby
Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) participated at the international conference on cultural diplomacy and its impact on the Balkans, in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Organised under the project: “Cultural Diplomacy in the Balkans in the 20 and 21 Centuries: Achievements, Challenges, and the Way Forward,” the conference brought together experts and leaders to explore the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering cooperation and understanding among Balkan nations.
CBAAC Director General, Aisha Augie, in her presentation entitled: “African Cultural Diplomacy: The FESTAC 77 Perspective,” highlighted cultural diplomacy’s significance in fostering cooperation and understanding between Africa and the Balkans.
She emphasised the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration in promoting global understanding and cooperation.
During the conference, the director general presented CBAAC publications to the Institute of Balkan Studies and Centre of Thracology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, further promoting African cultural heritage and fostering collaboration.
The conference shed light on FESTAC ‘77’s legacy, which includes the National Art Theatre built by a Bulgarian firm and CBAAC.
She said CBAAC’s participation in the conference underscores the organisation’s commitment to promoting cultural diplomacy and cooperation between Africa and the Balkans.
The event provided a valuable platform for experts to share insights and experiences, fostering greater understanding and collaboration among nations.
Other speakers at the event include, Snezhana Yoveva-Dimitrova, Director of the State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, Andrew Manning, Director of the European Union National Institutes for Culture, Maryam Majid Al Saad, Secretary General of the Global Public Diplomacy Network, and Tony Nikolov, Editor-in-Chief of Web portal Kultura and Kultura magazine among others.
