"Diaspora African Forum: Bridging the Gap"- Her Excellency Dr. Erieka Bennett

H.E. Dr. Erieka Bennett has traveled, worked and lived in Africa for over 40 years.   As the Convening Founder and Head of Mission of the (AU) African Diaspora Forum, The first and only diplomatic embassy in the world dealing specifically with the Diaspora issues. The role of the Mission is to link Diaspora Africans and their talents to support the development of Africa.  Dr. Bennett has been a valuable asset to the African Union’s development of Diaspora issues.  Dr. Bennett was at the forefront of the development of AGOA and was an advisor to the architects of NEPAD. Also a selected member of the first AU ECOSSOC.   Dr. Bennett’s strong love for the Africa Woman was given concrete expression in March 2004 when she was one of the supporters of African Woman 2004 which produced the Abuja Accords, the historic document on the Aspirations of the African Woman which was developed at the first ever African Woman’s conference held in Abuja, Nigeria, March 2004.  This document is being submitted to Beijing plus ten for forum development and adoption as a major voice for the African woman at the United Nations Forum for women. She was elected as Africa Women 2004” in the category of mentoring.