THE SUMMIT OFFICE

WASHINGTON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Former Ghanaian President, John Kufuor Challenges International Corporations to Work Towards Improving Their Standards in Africa

View Kufuor’s Challenge

Washington D.C., May 16, 2012 – The Leon H. Sullivan Foundation calls upon all international companies that operate in Africa to improve their standards and investments in the development of the continent. By launching the “100 Days of Change” campaign, the Foundation is voicing the inequalities related to doing business in Africa, and the dishonorable practices conducted by foreign companies on African soil. The challenge to corporations is to create resolutions for sustainable change and present those resolutions at the Sullivan Summit IX, which will be held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea from August 20-24^th, 2012. The Foundation will also celebrate those corporations whose business practices are exceptionally supporting the development of Africa.

“It’s time for the international community to understand that Africa cannot be taken for granted. We as Africans cannot stand by as our riches, our land, and most of all, our dignity are taken from us, especially for the clear motive of profit above the preservation of basic human rights,” said the Summit IX Chairman, former Ghanaian President John Kufuor.

Kufuor went on to say, “Although there are various injustices, there are also numerous companies doing good, and we wish to highlight them as role models.”

Over the course of the “100 Days of Change” campaign, the Sullivan Foundation, through tweets (#100daysofchange, Twitter handle @SullivanFound), Facebook  (www.facebook.com/SullivanFoundation), and the Sullivan Foundation website (www.sullivansummit.org) will present the opportunity for individuals, Non-profits, and NGO’s to blog, to share photos, and to speak out with numerous Heads of States and CEO’s at Sullivan Summit IX. This Summit stands as a unique venue for communicating and drawing on the economic inequalities created by corporations on African soil; we will focus on ten distinct industries operating on the continent.

Ms. Hope Sullivan Masters, the President and CEO of the Foundation stated, “This is an opportunity for foreign firms working in Africa to demonstrate their solutions for building enabling environments in the communities of which they have taken advantage. Created by my late father, the Global Sullivan Principles, stand as a tool for human rights, the basis for corporate social responsibility, and will be a platform to command the equality Africans deserve.”

Summit Chairman H.E. Kufuor has written a statement to world leaders and CEO’s of international firms inviting them to attend the Summit and to partake in the 100 Days of Change campaign. His announcement, released today and found on the Summit website, is the call to action for those who have questioned the need for change and for those who have questioned the issue of Human Rights and good governance in Africa.

“Africa is seen today as the new investment destination of the entire world, however we must be cognizant that Africans are not taken advantage of in the process. We know the endless economic opportunities that the continent has to offer, but we cannot afford to taint the continent by remaining naïve to clear injustices,” said Summit Chairman H.E. John Kufuor.

The Leon H. Sullivan Summit, an initiative of the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation was the first internationally recognized Summit of world leaders, convened on African soil, by a non-governmental private foundation. Held biennially in an African nation, the Summits have hosted high-level U.S. Government officials, including former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, as well as former U.S. Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice. Since 1991, more than 20,000 people from the United States and across Africa have attended the Summits and more than $180 billion of debt relief from developed nations has been forgiven through the work of the Summits. More information can be found at www.SullivanSummit.org.

For Media Inquiries, please contact summitix@thesullivanfoundation.org 202-736-2239

The longer we remain in patterns the more difficult change seems to be.

When you consider the difficulties we all face in trying to change (improve, upgrade, sweeten or otherwise make better) ourselves, imagine how hard it must be to adjust the perception of millions of people regarding a Continent.  And then, to make matters worse, those whose perceptions you seek to change have their misperceptions imbedded for generations and generations…

Africa, from Day 1, has been the one in the constellation whose presence has been everlasting and unchanging.

Alas, today, Africa is rising.  Like the Phoenix in classical mythology, the unique bird that lived for five or six centuries in the Arabian desert, after this time burning itself on a funeral pyre and rising from the ashes with renewed youth to live through another cycle.

After generations of being maligned, disrespected, and abused, Africa is rising to assume its rightful place in history.

The Leon H. Sullivan Summit is committed to stand alongside Africa and to use whatever means necessary to garner the respect and dignity she has been denied for generations and generations of Bully Societies.

Today, we issue a challenge to all those who have benefited from their Bully pulpits to commit once and for all to end the pattern of abuse.

Finder’s keepers no more.

In the US, as children we were all taught that if you find a treasure it is yours.  There is no encouragement to find the rightful owner nor is there a need to make the slightest attempt.

Today, as it relates to Africa, we declare “FINDERS KEEPERS NO MORE”.

THE RESOURCES YOU MIGHT STUMBLE UPON IN YOUR EXPLORATIONS AND RESEARCH in Africa are no longer the booty of those who believe they are explorers or discoverers.  If you stumble upon a jewel while you are exploring Africa, do not be deluded – it is not yours.  It is theirs.  And if you want it to be yours, you must pay for it, and pay the price you intend to sell it for.

Africa will not be undersold.

Visit http://thesullivanfoundation.org/100days/ and tell us what you have seen.

My Dear Friends and Family,

This coming August in the city of Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, the Leon H. Sullivan Summit will gather a remarkable group of world leaders, chief executive officers, pioneers, and regular, everyday people just like you and me. In fact, the Sullivan Summit is often referred to as “The People’s Summit” because, unlike every other Summit of nations and world leaders, anyone can attend the Sullivan Summit to participate in dialog with the men and women who are shaping the policies and practices that will give rise to Africa’s future.

Together we will examine how the world is becoming ever more rapidly digital, mobile, virtual, and personal; yet remote and impersonal.  Our greatest challenge as members of this globalized society – what do these changes mean for our leaders and what will they mean for people like you and me?   And perhaps most importantly, how can we protect the infirmed, the poor, the defenseless, and the isolated from a society moving faster and faster away from their grasp?

Technology and globalization have created a phenomenon that is accelerating profound shifts in the way we communicate, conduct business, govern, innovate, and become competitive.   At the Ninth Leon H. Sullivan Summit, we will learn from each other about managing change, and we will explore how the public and the private sectors can manage a changing society while not leaving our most vulnerable members behind without hope and without a way to rise.

At the Ninth Leon H. Sullivan Summit we will benefit from the collective wisdom of our leaders and our peers as we innovate in these uncertain times.  The leaders of Africa, and indeed the entire world, are all challenged to use the capabilities of this age to drive a world economy that will benefit all.

There is a Continent waiting to be developed!  Join us on the most exciting journey of this Century, the journey of Africa Rising.

See you in Malabo.

One love,

We’ve been very busy here at the Sullivan Foundation. Over the past few months, our entire staff has been diligently working on some amazing projects. In the coming days, we will be making a huge announcement! Stay tuned and always remember, Africa is Rising.

I greatly appreciate the Cameroonian Minister of Arts and Culture, Her Excellency Ama Tutu Muna for sharing her evening and culture with us. She was joined by Cameroonian Ambassador Joseph Foe-Atangana, Equatorial Guinean Ambassador Purificacion Angue Ondo, and Gabonese Ambassador Michael Moussa-Adamo.

I would also like to acknowledge those faces that were missing from the evening, like that of Congressman Donald Payne. We would like to pay our respects to his family and wholeheartedly thank him for his tremendous work advocating on behalf of all Africans.

The Sullivan Foundation has been greatly impressed by the work of Minister Muna as she launches the first national museum in Cameroon this year.  Her dedication to cultural education and recognition are qualities and goals that we greatly admire. She is working to help all Cameroonians unite behind their joint history and build a strong and successful future. We look forward to working with Cameroon to see this bright future for their country and for the continent of Africa.

I am truly grateful to Minister Muna for bringing Cameroonian culture to my home through traditional cuisine and the Cameroon National Ballet.

We are working with the Miss Africa USA Queen, who is from Cameroon, and her pageant’s organizers to bring a container of desperately needed medical supplies to Cameroon this year. Queen Ghyslaine is also working on a campaign to support relief in Somalia.

Our desire at the Sullivan Foundation is to see Africa rise. It is a continent that is demanding excellence, and it is achieving excellence day by day, through its own merits. THIS is Africa Rising!

Created in the name of my father to carry on his dream of seeing Africa excel, the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation aims to engage in programs that empower Africa and build the bridge between the United States and Africa.

We are gearing up for Summit IX at this very moment. Check back with us in the coming days for more information regarding this premier event on Africa-US Relations – The Leon H. Sullivan Summit.

Once again, thank you to everyone who joined us in my home last Friday, and it is my sincerest hope that you all will be able to attend Summit IX.

Peace and one love,

Hope Sullivan Masters

If you’re in the Atlanta area, be sure to stop by Emory University for our Roundtable Discussion on Leadership and Underserved Communities on April 5th.

Moderator: TJ Holmes

Panelists: Ambassador Andrew Young, Hope Sullivan Masters, President/CEO Leon H. Sullivan Foundation, and John Hope Bryant, CEO Operation Hope

Contact info@thesullivanfoundation.org for more information.

Congressman Donald Payne will remain forever in the hearts of his family, those of us who consider him family, the African Affairs community, and the world.

The President stated this in a letter he personally at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

The President who noted that former President Obasanjo has lived a life dedicated to the service of humanity, noted that the former President demonstrated exceptional courage and steadfast commitment even in the service to his fatherland, thereby helping to ensure stability in the country.

“You have demonstrated exceptional courage, steadfast commitment and abiding faith in the unity, peace, stability and prosperity of the Nigerian nation. It is gratifying to note that you stand ready to continue to avail us of your wise counsel at all times”

“On the historic occasion of your 75thbirthday anniversary which comes up on Monday, 5th March 2012, I join you, your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for the life of fulfillment and uncommon accomplishment which He has blessed you with”

Jonathan also acknowledge the contributions of Obasanjo to Nigeria’s democratic process, leading to his present role as the “Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ruling, and by far the largest political party in Nigeria”

He noted further that the former President dedicated his life to the patriotic service of his father land and helped to consolidate democracy in Nigeria

“You have spent virtually all of your adult life in dedicated patriotic service to our fatherland: as an accomplished officer in our nation’s army; as a military commander who played a historic role in effecting the end of the unfortunate civil war; as a military Head of State who ushered in civil democratic governance; and later serving two terms as a democratically-elected President, and helping to consolidate the democratic process in our country”

“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I congratulate you on this milestone and wish you many more years of fulfillment. Happy Birthday!”

BY TONY AILEMEN, 5 MARCH 2012 of The Daily Champion

Featuring panelist: Melanie Campbel

Friday, March 2nd, 2012
1:00 PM EST

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