PEOPLE/SOCIETY/EVENT

United African Diaspora Hungary visits Dean of African Diplomats

By Hakeem Babalola

United African Diaspora founders with Dean of African Diplomats, Ms Pena

In furtherance of its mission and vision, the United African Diaspora Hungary met with the Dean of African Diplomats in her office situated at the Angolan embassy in uptown Budapest on Tuesday, October 10.

The meeting took place at the embassy's boardroom and it was centred on how to forge a mutual relationship, partnership and cooperation between the organisation and the African representatives otherwise known as Diplomats.

The highlight of the moment was when the organisation presented its programme of activities to her Excellency, Lizeth Satumbo Pena, who accepted it with a smile.

The founders of the organisation took the turn to explain the main reason for the visit while Pena was rapt with attention before responding.

The current president of the organisation, Raymond Irambo, said that the organisation is speeding its activities to those who matter in the society, therefore, the need to formally introduce themselves. “We are here officially to introduce ourselves to you,” Irambo said, adding that the organisation needs African embassies’ long-term collaboration, partnership, support and advice because of their highly placed position.

In his own contribution, the vice-president, Venance Wapokurwa stated that one of the visions of the organisation is to coordinate the minority, citing the example of mixed race children born in Hungary who do not know their origin. He said: “Africans came here a long time ago. There are 3-4 generations of Africans in Hungary and the United African Diaspora Hungary wants to reach out to these children as well as the generations coming.”

Furthermore, United African Diaspora Hungary wants to act as a bridge between Africa and Hungary in order to know more about African value. Not only that. It is also part of its activities to integrate migrants into Hungarian society through sports and cultural activities.

A suggestion to hold conferences, seminars, workshops during Africa Day which comes up every May 25, also came up for discussion.

In her response, Pena agreed that the initiative is a good one but quickly added that so many things are involved. She explained that although the answer does not depend on her alone as she would have to consult with other diplomats, we would do our best, she said.

She said further that there are so many problems and challenges. “It’s not easy but yes, we can," she declared.

Asked when the organisation should expect some feedback, Pena answered that it’s difficult to give a definite date as many things are involved. “We would look into the program of the activities,” she said.

It could be recalled that the organisation visited the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African department last year October for the same purpose.