Official Opening, Reception and Cultural event

There will be a Welcome Ceremony, comprising a cultural performance of drama, song, dance, poems, video clips
showcasing Africa’s natural heritage (35 minutes). The Master of Ceremony will be Zain Verjee (TBC).
Keynote addresses will be made by (25 minutes):

1. Razan Al Mubarak (Video) – President of IUCN – 5 miN
2. Kaddu Sebunya – CEO and President of AWF – 5 mins
3. Bruno Oberle – Director General, IUCN – 5 mins
4. Hon Jeanne d’arc Mujawamariya, Minister of Environment, Rwanda – 5 mins
5. H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda: CN – 10 mins

This will be followed by the opening plenary panel (90 min) moderated by Mohammed Valli Moosa, former IUCN
President (TBC). This panel will focus on:

1. A vision for inclusive growth as pathways to a sustainable and resilient future
2. A strong case for increased investment in biodiversity and Protected and Conserved Areas.
3. Commitment to placing people at the centre of conservation

The Panelists are:

1. President Paul Kagame, Rwanda
2. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, Ethiopia
3. President Festus Mogae, Botswana (TBC)
4. President Mahmadou Issoufou, Niger
5. President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson (TBC)
6. President Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB (TBC)
7. Hon. Yasmine Fouad Minister of Environment Egypt
8. Hon. Sharon Ikeazor, Minister of State for Environment, Nigeria

This will be followed by short 3-minute interventions from (pre-recorded videos or in person)

1. President James Michel (TBC)
2. Tedros Ghebreyesus, Executive Director, WHO (Video)
3. Inger Andersen, Executive Director UNEP (Video)
4. Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) – (TBC)
5. Mami Mizutori, Executive Secretary, UNISDR
6. Derrick Mugisha, Founder and CEO Biodiversity Hub International and Regional Director Africa (TBC)

Then Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe will preside over the soft launch (10 min) of A Pan African
Conservation Trust (APACT). This will be followed by a Cocktail and Welcome Reception