About
Africa Day
For 25 years, Africa Day has been the event that brings Africa to the Netherlands. With around 1000 visitors, speakers, volunteers and 40 partner organisations, it is the largest public event on Africa and international cooperation in the Netherlands. The day consists of workshops, lectures, talks, films, and music. With the event, we want to provide a stage for African voices and start conversations between citizens, politicians and NGOs about new cooperation between Africa and Europe based on equality. Africa Day is organised by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and the Foundation Max van der Stoel (FMS).
Afrikadag 2024: Getting Rights Right for Africa
The Afrikadag 2024 aims to shed light on the movements on the African continent that defend universal human rights and democratic values. Recent military coups in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea were claimed to be an “African revolution” against Western neocolonialism, while increasingly harsh anti-LGBTI laws are sometimes perceived as a victory of “African values” over “Western immorality”. How can Europe continue to advocate for human rights and democracy, without compromising on universal values, but also without imposing external models, and being sensitive of its colonial history? The Afrikadag 2024 will focus on homegrown solutions and hear from Africans who fight for a more democratic, inclusive and gender-equitable Africa. What do they need from Europe and The Netherlands to make their fight successful? The event will bring together European and Dutch policy-makers and politicians, as well as activists and officials from the African continent, to find innovative strategies for enhancing democracy and human rights together. Besides discussing the societal and political challenges, the cultural programme at Afrikadag also offers a place where you can immerse yourself in African culture, music, films and food.
On Saturday November 16th, 2024 the challenges and developments around this topic will be shown through immersive workshops and discussions that are inspired by African-European cooperation on the basis of equality and justice.
Foundation Max van der Stoel (FMS)
The Foundation Max van der Stoel is an independent foreign affairs foundation affiliated to the Dutch social democratic party. We work to enhance democratisation in the EU's neighbouring countries, fairer Dutch and EU policies towards developing countries, and we stimulate public debate on these issues in the Netherlands.
Foundation of European Progessive Studies (FEPS)
The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) is the think tank of the progressive political family at EU level. Our mission is to develop innovative research, policy advice, training and debates to inspire and inform socialist and social democratic politics and policies across Europe. FEPS has mainly been funded by the European Parliament.
Practical information & Accessibility
Africa Day 2024 will take place on Saturday 16 November from 10:00 am at Pakhuis de Zwijger, Piet Heinkade 179, Amsterdam.
The accessibility of Pakhuis de Zwijger is good. Pakhuis de Zwijger is about a 10-15 minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. You can also take tram 26 towards IJburg from Amsterdam Central Station, and get off at stop Kattenburgerstraat. Alternatively, you can take bus 43 towards Borneo Eiland and get off at the Jan Schaeferbrug stop. Coming by car? Pakhuis de Zwijger is less than five minutes from the Amsterdam A10 Ring Noord (exit S116) and the Piet Hein Tunnel (exit S114 Zeeburg/Artis). You can park in nearby parking garages. Close to Pakhuis De Zwijger are parking spots where you can park with a disabled parking card. These parking spaces can be found at Vriesseveem 4 and Withoedenveem 16.
Pakhuis de Zwijger is accessible for wheelchair users and persons with disabilities. There are facilities throughout the building for accessibility. For example, all rooms are accessible via the lift and there is an adapted toilet on the second floor. Do you need anything else from us to make the most of your experience at this event? Feel free to contact us at info@afrikadag.nl.