Introduction

Since ancient times the name Africa has been connected to the image of a hot, sun baked land. Her beautiful name comes from the Latin “Aprica”, which means sunny land, or from the Greek “Aphrike”, meaning where there is no cold.

Nowadays, everybody knows that the African continent is in an extremely serious situation. Times are not good. In the West we have contributed to this notoriously; from the slavery of her people to the physical colonization of her territory and the exploitation of her resources. Although international aid and cooperation is substantial, it is clear that there is a need for new solutions and realities that will give hope to the people of Africa, especially to the youth.

Factors like emigration, poverty, pandemics, etc., are borne as symptoms of a deep wound that the African continent suffers from. These symptoms both warn and remind us that the situation in Africa is a global one, that is to say, millions of Africans share the same destiny, regardless of their home countries. Therefore, the African continent needs, among other things, a deep change of perception where it is fundamental and necessary for the international community to promote an extensive, global and ambitious plan of action, which is urgently needed, throughout the continent.

There is a real need for a plan of action that will go beyond the emergency aid for catastrophes and famines, one that will exceed the scale of micro-projects, one that will bring this country closer to the West and one that will overcome the persistent economical exploitation of the past.

Fundamentally, in order for a thorough and complete development plan to be launched, Africa, as the main factor involved, must have a voice and vote in these matters in order to make its own decisions and seek in international aid an adequate strategy to fulfil its own objectives.

This congress aims to create a forum where, starting with an analysis of the situation, new realities will be promoted with the aim of giving back splendour and dignity to this continent and her people.