Annan to deliver keynote address for 2016 Tana High-Level Forum

The Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa has been set for April 16 and April 17, 2016, and the former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has been confirmed as the event's keynote speaker.

The Tana Forum takes place each year in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Its goal is to gather African heads of state and government leaders as well as representatives from regional organisations, the private sector, students and youth to discuss Africa's economy, environment and security threats.

The theme for the 2016 forum is “Africa in the Global Security Agenda.”

“Africa is in midst of a rapid social, political, and economic transformation," Annan said. "These transformations and the changing fortunes of its citizens come with added responsibilities. As Africa’s economic importance in the world increases, it must assume its growing importance maturely and conscientiously, including on security related concerns. I look forward to discussing these issues at the 2016 Tana Forum.”

Forum organizers are enthusiastic about Annan's participation in the event.

“There are few people in the international community that command respect across the board for their tireless work in ensuring a peaceful future for Africa like Kofi Annan,” Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria and chairperson of the Tana Board, said. “He brings a wealth of experience, not just from his time as the UN Secretary General, but also his involvement in peace-making efforts across the continent. We are delighted that he has agreed to join us in Bahir Dar and look forward to an insightful keynote address.”