The Founder and Executive Director of ACCORD, Vasu Gounden, attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) Africa Summit, which was held in Cape Town from 4-6 June 2008. WEF brings together the key individuals from all levels of society and offers important discussion, information sharing and networking opportunities.
While attending WEF Mr. Gounden had meetings with, among others, the President of Burundi, H.E. President Pierre Nkurunziza (ACCORD opened an office in Burundi in 2003 and in 2006 awarded the Africa Peace Award [APA] to the Nation of Burundi) and Kenyan President H.E. President Mwai Kibaki.
More than 800 decision-makers from 50 countries participated in the Summit, which had as its main theme this year “Capitalizing on Opportunity”. The Summit aimed to address the challenges that Africa must address if it is to be seen as a reliable and competitive partner in the global economy.
In 2000 and 2003 ACCORD’s APA ceremony formed the gala evening for WEF’s Africa Economic Summits. In 2000 Mr. Gounden was elected by WEF as one of their Global Leaders for Tomorrow (GLT). Mr. Gounden has also served as a resource person at a number of WEF Africa Economic Summits.
