Delegates Handbook
ANTHEMS
Namibian National Anthem
Namibia Land of the Brave
Freedom fight we have won
Glory to their bravery
Whose blood waters our freedom
We give our love and loyalty
Together in unity
Contrasting beautiful Namibia
Namibia our country
Beloved land of savannahs
Hold high the banner of liberty
Namibia our country
Namibia motherland, we love thee
African Union Anthem
Let us all unite and celebrate together,
The victories won for our liberation
Let us dedicate ourselves to rise together
To defend our liberty and unity
Oh sons and daughters of Africa
Flesh of the sun and flesh of the sky
Let us make Africa the Tree of Life
Let us all unite and toil together,
To give the best we have to Africa
The cradle of mankind and fount of culture,
Our pride and hope at break dawn
AFRICA-CHINA YOUNG LEADERS FORUM OVERVIEW
Background
Today, China is the second largest economy in the world. Official figures released in the first quarter of 2010 indicated that China’s economy grew at an annual pace of 11.9%. In contrast African economic growth hovers at 4,7%-7% in some instances. China’s total GDP is estimated to be around US$5 trillion, whilst Africa is US$1.6 trillion. China has been classified overall as one of the fastest growing economies, whereas Africa is seen to be at the verge of a major development take-off. In Asia, China and India combined alone is estimated to have 2.4 billion people, representing 40% of the 6 billion global inhabitants. China alone lifted 600 million people from absolute poverty. Africa sits on about 800 million people. China has surpassed economists’ predictions since it has reformed its economic planning from 1978-2008. Taking 11 largest African economies, economists predictions are that in the next 40 years, in 2050, their combined GDP will stand at US$13 trillion, surpassing Russia or Brazil, but not India nor China, all being BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries.
To take a historical detour, Premier Zhou Enlai is largely credited for paving the way for China-Africa relations. Essentially, then still the Minister of Foreign Affairs under Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and others spearheaded the process of establishing diplomatic relations between the Asians and Africans. The Asian-African Conference was the first post-war international conference held by Asian and African countries, without participation by the Western colonial powers in Bandung, Indonesia from 18-24 April 1955 and attended by 29 Asian and African countries. The five African countries were, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana (than Gold Coast), Liberia, and Libya. As usual during that period of time Western Countries were against the Conference and looked down on its importance. At the end the Conference adopted the Declaration on Promotion of World Peace and Cooperation. This mark the official beginning of the hallmark of China-Africa trade relations and diplomacy.
China’s approach to Africa has changed dramatically since the end of the Cold War. From the 1955 Bandung Conference until the end of the 1980s, Chinese policy in Africa focused on support for independence and Pan-African movements and the propagation of its version of communist ideology. Today China has an Embassy in virtually all the countries on the continent.
Today many regard China as a true friend of Africa. China cancelled in excess of a billion dollars of African debt, while its diplomacy has been accepted in most African countries as solid and respectful. Premier Wen Jiabao, announced a set of new cooperation Policy Measures between China and African countries for the period 2010-2012 in November 2009 at the Sharm-El-Sheikh 4th Ministerial Conference in Egypt. These Policy Measures actually encapsulate the assistance in billions that is availed by Beijing to Africa to develop its economies. China does business and is involved in development projects in virtually all African countries.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
Africa-China Young Leaders Forum
The short historical relations between Africa and China shows that over and above the FOCAC meetings, that there should be increased contact between the youth of our people’s. FOCAC focus on state-to-state to relations, whereas the future of China-Africa relations depends on the current generation of youth leaders.
More and above, continuing in the spirit of the1955 Bandung Conference, Communist Youth League of China invites selected African youth from time to time to China on exchange visits to enhance common cause.
In keeping up with this spirit, the Communist Youth League of China invited over 200 young African leaders to the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) in 2008. During the side meetings the young leaders of Africa and China resolved to have a follow up meeting with a view to providing a mechanism for youth exchanges. This initiative has materialized through the efforts of SWAPO Party Youth League (SPYL) together with the Communist Youth League who have been planning for the Africa-China Young Leaders Forum since April 2009. It is hoped that such an initiative will culminate into a permanent structure that will be absorbed into FOCAC.
To this end, Africa-China Young Leaders Forum will be held in Windhoek, Namibia from 21-23 May 2011 under the theme “Friendship, Cooperation and Development”.
The Young Leaders Forum will also be grace by the presence of H.E. Mr. Wu Bangguo, Member of the Standing Committee of Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China and will be Officially Opened by H.E . President Hifikepunye Pohamba, the President of SWAPO Party and the Republic of Namibia.
The Young Leaders Forum will be attended by 60 young people from China, 60 young people from 17 African countries and 60 delegates from Namibia, and will be held at the Safari Hotel in Windhoek.
OBJECTIVES OF THE AFRICA-CHINA YOUNG LEADERS FORUM
The Young Leaders Forum will provide an opportunity to both African and Chinese delegates an opportunity to:
NAMIBIA-AT A GLANCE
Namibia, under the sole authentic people’s mass movement SWAPO Party, attained its independence from the racist minority apartheid regime of South Africa on the 21 March 1990. The Founding President of Namibia was H.E. Dr. Sam Nujoma, who was succeeded in 2004 by the incumbent H.E. President Hifikepunye Pohamba.
The territory called Namibia lies along the South West coast of Africa, between Angola in the north and South Africa in the south. To the West is the Atlantic Ocean and to the east are Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
It covers approximately 824. 000 square kilometers, and has an estimated population of 2 million people. Its main exports are beef, fish, dairy products, table grapes, diamonds and uranium, and tourism due to its pristine environment and wildlife.
The long coastal line stretching from the mouth of the Kunene River in the North to the Orange River in the South is very cold, harsh and uninhabitable due to the oceanic cold Benguela current. The Namibian interior is shielded away by that stretch of a desert referred to as the Skeleton Coast due to skeletal remains of those who attempted to enter the territory but did not survive to tell the story.
Namibia is divided into 13 Administrative Regions, inhabited by different tribes. Although English is the official tool of communication, different tribes in Namibia speak different languages. Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia and the main centre of economic activity. The Capital City Windhoek is often referred to as the cleanest City in Africa. It also goes without saying that Namibia is often referred to as the most peaceful country in Africa. Indeed, Namibians are generous people, and we hope you will enjoy your stay in Windhoek.
WINDHOEK-THE CAPITAL CITY OF NAMIBIA
The charm of the City of Windhoek lies in its harmonious blend of African and European cultures and architecture. It is a peaceful and relaxed city in a country with a proud record of political stability and harmony.
Windhoek is the main artery of commerce and trade in Namibia and hosts central government, parastatals and regional and head offices of most of the multi-national companies operating in the country. It also hosts Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Head Offices, SADC Tribunal, and SADC Parliamentary Forum apart from United Nations Development Agencies and European Delegation.
Geographically, the total area of Windhoek is 645 square kilometers with about 250 000 inhabitants, making up almost 12,5% of the country’s total population of 2 million.
CONFERENCE INFORMATION
Important Dates and Events
Young Leaders Forum Format
The Young Leaders Forum will essentially be the delivery of papers and panel discussions were attendants will engage directly with the panelist on the subject matter under discussion.
Interpretation
Simultaneous Interpretation Services will be available for the duration of the Forum.
Information and Media Centre
Internet facilities will be made available in the information centre in the venue foyer.
Young Leaders Forum Venue
The Young Leaders Forum will be convened at the Safari Hotel in the City of Windhoek. The Hotel is located approximately 4-5 Kilometers from the city centre.
Registration and Accreditation
All delegates are required to complete an Accreditation Form in order to be accredited to the Young Leaders Forum and issued with identification badges and Forum material. The Accreditation Desk is located within the Forum venue and will be open from 08h00 to late night on the 20 May 2011, Friday.
Accommodation
Accommodation will be catered for all delegates at Safari Hotel. Consult the Local Organising Committee.
Medical Service
A fully equipped Medical Room with a Professional Nurse is available within the Forum venue. An ambulance will also be available at the Hotel for the duration of the Forum. A Medial Doctor will be on standby for the duration of the Forum to attend to serious cases as and when they occur.
Visas
Some delegates may require visas to enter Namibia. A Group Visa has been arranged and delegates who are unable to make prior arrangements can obtain their visas upon arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport. A Welcome Desk is available at the Airport for this purpose.
Transport
Transport will be provided for all delegates from the Hosea Kutako International Airport from 20 May 2011, and during the entire Forum to and from the Hotel. For other urgent transport issues consult the Local Organising Committee.
Currency
The Namibian Dollar (NAD/N$) is linked to the South African Rand (ZAR) at par value. The Rand is also legal tender in Namibia. (Currency exchange Rates as at 11/04/2011: 1USD=6.64 NAD.
Banking Services
Banks are open between 08h30 and 15h30, Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 08h30 to 11h00. The Namibian banking sector is linked to major international communication networks, ensuring fast and efficient transfer of funds to and from literally anywhere in the world. All local banks have a Bureau de Change and internationally recognized currencies can be exchanged. Most establishments in the country accept international credit cards. Automatic Teller Machines are available throughout major cities where money can be drawn or deposited with Visa and Master cards.
Business and Shopping
Trading hours on weekdays are from 08h00 to 17h00 and Saturdays from 08h30 to 13h00. Many shops also open on Saturday afternoons until 17h00 and on Sundays from 09h00 to 13h00.
Customs and Duty-Free Allowance
Items carried for personal use, and not intended for gifts or for sale are duty free, including cameras, video cameras, binoculars, portable computers, cellular phones, etc, as are the usual quantities of beer, wine, spirits, tobacco and perfumes, etc.
Security: Beware of petty crime. You are advised to enquire about the security situation at your Hotel and as in any major city, take care when venturing out alone, especially at night and in remote parts of the City
Time
Namibia has two time seasons:
Summer Time -GMT +2 hours; and
Winter Time -GMT +1 hour.
Advice: We are in a winter period now so it is highly recommended that delegates bring along a winter coat/clothes.
Local Organising Committee
Ms. Lucia Iipumbu
Telephone : +264 61 251014
Facsimile : +264 61
Mobile : +264 812481925 or +264 816040426
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