đź“… Tuesday 23rd May at 9:30-17.00 BST
đź“Ť USW Conference Centre, Treforest, CF37 1DL
The Global Solidarity Summit brings together individuals and organisations from Wales working on solidarity projects across the world. From small community groups to Wales-based branches of international NGOs, we’re raising the profile of the sector in Wales.
The 2023 Summit will take place on Tuesday 23rd May at the University of South Wales Conference Centre in Treforest. Just minutes on foot from Treforest train station and with quick, easy access to the M4, this dedicated, purpose-built conference centre is just 20 minutes from the capital city.
(Re)Connecting Communities is the Summit theme. As we continue to adjust to post-Covid realities, this will be an invaluable opportunity to hear from leading voices in the sector while meeting and networking with colleagues and peers.
For the first time, the Summit will be a hybrid event, and participants will be able to join the plenary sessions online if they cannot attend in person. We will also aim to deliver one hybrid workshop.
Panelists for the afternoon panel discussion will consist of winners of the 2023 Partnership Awards. Applications for the Awards are now open.
Would you like to have a stall at the Summit? Please email enquiries@hubcymruafrica.org.uk to request one.
Catch up on the 2021Â and 2022Â Global Solidarity Summit videos on-demand on our YouTube channel.
Registration
09:30 – 10:15
Delegates are encouraged to arrive in good time. Tea and coffee will be available during registration.
Welcome and Opening Address
10:15 – 10:45
Jane Hutt MS, Minister for Social Justice, will deliver the opening address following a welcome to delegates to the 2023 Global Solidarity Conference by Claire O’Shea, Head of Partnership at Hub Cymru Africa.
Online delegates will be able to watch this session.
Morning Keynote Address
10:45 – 11:15
Keynote speaker to be confirmed.
Online delegates will be able to watch this session and ask questions via Slido.
Workshops
11:30 – 12:30
Four workshops will be available to delegates attending in person:
1. Practical Responses to Climate Change
Climate change is already harming people across the world and many parts of Africa have been ravaged by droughts, floods and severe weather. This workshop will look at what Wales-Africa partnerships can do to understand and reduce the environmental impacts of their work. We will also talk about how project work, including support for Fair Trade producers, can help communities to adapt to a changing climate.
2. Women’s Land Rights and Ownership
Many women across Africa have no access to land nor the right to buy or inherit land. This reduces their ability to earn money or grow food for their families, restricting economic development and efforts to achieve equality. This workshop will look at the roots, complexities and implications of the problem, including laws and social customs. It is an opportunity to learn more, share experiences and explore what Welsh-African partnerships can do to support women seeking land.
3. Digital inclusion in Africa
This workshop aims to facilitate discussion and bring awareness to digital inclusion in Africa. It will highlight the digital divide that exists not only between high- and low-income nations, but also within African nations; as well as in areas such as gender, ability and more on the African continent.
4. TBC
One of these workshops will be made available for online delegates.
Lunch
12:30 – 13:30
A vegetarian buffet will be provided. Dietary requirements can be detailed during registration through Eventbrite.
Afternoon Keynote Address
13:30 – 14:00
Keynote speaker to be confirmed.
Online delegates will be able to watch this session and ask questions via Slido.
Workshops
14:00 – 15:00
Four workshops will be available to delegates attending in person:
1. Practical Responses to Climate Change
2. Women’s Land Rights and Ownership
3. Digital inclusion in Africa
4. TBC
Please see the morning workshop session for descriptions
Panel Discussion
15:30 – 16:30
The panel will consist of winners of the 2023 Partnership Awards. We are accepting applications for the Awards until 25th April.
Online delegates will be able to watch this session and ask questions via Slido.
Networking Reception
16:30 – 17:00
Refreshments will be available while delegates use this opportunity to meet, greet, catch up and network.
Jane Hutt MS
Opening Address
Jane spent part of her childhood in Uganda and Kenya, and was educated at the University of Kent, the London School of Economics and Bristol University. She has lived and worked in Wales since 1972.
Jane was an elected member of the former South Glamorgan County Council for 12 years and was first elected to the Assembly in 1999. Between 1999 and 2005 she served as Minister for Health and Social Services in the Welsh Government. From 2005 to 2007, she was Minister for Assembly Business and Chief Whip. In the first Cabinet of the Third Assembly she was appointed Minister for Budget and Assembly Business.
In the coalition Cabinet, announced on 19 July 2007, she became Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills. In December 2009 she was appointed Minister for Business and Budget, subsequently Minister for Finance until 2016 when she was appointed Leader of the House and Chief Whip at the start of the Fifth Assembly.
On 13 December 2018 Jane was appointed Deputy Minister and Chief Whip. Jane was appointed Minister for Social Justice on 13 May 2021.
Jane Hutt is an honorary fellow of Cardiff Metropolitan University and Cardiff and Vale College. She is a Welsh learner.
To request a stall at the Summit, please email enquiries@hubcymruafrica.org.uk.