The philosopher and political scientist Sami Näir and the economist and academic Carlos Lopes will deliver keynote lectures on the global challenges of human mobility
The international Campus Africa programme from the University of La Laguna, organised by the Canary Foundation for the Control of Tropical Diseases, unveiled its extensive agenda of activities this morning at a press conference. Under the title ‘African Migrations: Myths, Realities, and Challenges’, it will focus on the challenge of demystifying limiting beliefs surrounding the African migration phenomenon.
During the presentation, the Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, emphasised the honour it brings to the municipality to host such a significant event as this Campus, which has established itself over time as a reference space for reflection, debate, and civic awareness, always alongside international experts who bring their unique perspectives on the social situation we experience daily in the islands.
From the co-direction of Campus Africa, José Gómez Soliño, Basilio Valladares, and Inmaculada González spoke, thanking the sponsoring entities and collaborators for the support received by Campus Africa. “We are now in our seventh edition of a project that seeks to contribute to scientific, social, and cultural development by building bridges of understanding between the Canary Islands and Africa through the talent of its youth. Over the next two weeks, the scholars will face intense training sessions as well as times of coexistence and exchange that will surely promote the development and progress of the territories in West Africa,” Valladares stated. For his part, Gómez Soliño asserted that “only by preparing for the future through reflection and education can we face great challenges; migration movements are one of them. That’s why this year we look critically and reflectively at the factors pushing an increasing number of Africans, Asians, and Latin Americans to embark on riskier journeys in search of an uncertain future.” Inmaculada González then highlighted the interest already sparked by the planned research meetings, which will include renowned professionals from Morocco, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Senegal, and, of course, from the Canary Islands.
From the Government of the Canary Islands, the Director General of Universities, Ciro Gutiérrez, stated that “through education and cooperation, links are created that will last over time. Science improves living conditions, guides public decisions, and provides solutions from the everyday to the structural.” Additionally, the regional Deputy Minister of the Presidency, Alfonso Cabello, underscored that “Africa is both an opportunity and a reality that shapes the daily life of the Canary Islands. We must work on the idea that the islands can support and accompany the African continent, always in partnership with universities, across many areas of development.”
The Director of External Action and Institutional Relations of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Pedro González, also reiterated the significant history of Campus Africa and “the effort involved in the logistics of this event by the organisers and the follow-up on the various conclusions drawn from each edition.”
Finally, the Rector of ULL, Francisco García, emphasised the special involvement of the academic institution in this year’s edition, “which has planned a dozen research meetings on topics as varied as renewable energies, pan-Africanism, educational transformation, humanitarian aid, or cultural heritage.” “The future African leaders” are trained at Campus Africa, stated Francisco García, who also expressed his pride in leading a university that is useful to society and provides solutions.
The proposal for this year’s edition of Campus Africa, taking place from July 12 to 25, is structured around three axes: the causes and consequences of African migrations; the bio-health challenges related to poverty and emerging diseases; and cultural relations in a context of human mobility, causes, and consequences of a global phenomenon. Additionally, as a new feature, this year a parallel programme titled ‘Researcher Meetings’ will address different themes regarding the Canary Islands-Africa relationship. In total, more than 50 international and national experts will participate, delivering keynote talks on these topics, always focusing on the migratory reality currently affecting the Canary Islands.
This international programme maintains its commitment to contributing to building a dynamic knowledge community by involving scientific and higher education institutions in the continental and Atlantic environment. This year, a total of 54 scholars from Senegal and Cape Verde will benefit. Furthermore, as is customary, the organisation provides the opportunity to share this educational and informative space with citizens who wish to attend the various venues, thus fostering an environment of coexistence and reflection. The programme can be consulted on the official Campus website: www.campusafrica.org.
Notable Conferences
On July 14, the conference cycle will kick off at the Paraninfo of the University of La Laguna (10:00 AM) with the inaugural lecture by economist and lecturer from Guinea-Bissau, Carlos Lopes, who has been the High Representative of the African Union for negotiations with Europe since 2018. On July 16, renowned human rights defender and Director General of the Karibú Association, Nicole Ndongala, will address the scholars, alongside officials from the Government of the Canary Islands. That same afternoon, one of the hallmark events of Campus Africa, Mandela Day, will take place, featuring a central talk by political scientist and philosopher, Sami Naïr.
On July 25, Campus Africa will close this edition with a closing ceremony (Friday, July 25, at the Real Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País de Tenerife).
Sponsorships and Collaborations
Campus Africa is sponsored by the Government of the Canary Islands, Cabildo of Tenerife, and the Town Hall of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, along with support from CajaCanarias, CajaSiete, Caixabank, the Loro Parque Foundation, Binter, Loro Parque, Cofarte, Cinfa, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife College of Pharmacists, Melcan, adDiagNost, the Canary Foundation for the Control of Tropical Diseases, the Vice-rectorate for Internationalisation and Cooperation of the University of La Laguna, CiberInfec, the Real Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País de Tenerife, the Parliament of the Canary Islands, Casa África, and the Canary Association for the Progress of Macaronesia.
