The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) and the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD are delighted to invite you to the ninth episode of The Africa-India Global Dialogue Series, titled “Telling New Stories: Artists Bridging Worlds, Shaping Narratives”. The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 4:00 – 5:00 IST | 12.30 PM – 1.30 PM SAST.

The penultimate episode of The Africa-India Global Dialogue Series brings together artists from music, film, writing and an expert on creative economies. They will explore how art shapes identities rooted in shared African-Indian heritage and builds cultural influence. This conversation at the intersection of art and diplomacy will highlight the power of artists to connect distant geographies, reframe relationships, and imagine new global futures.

Register here 

Featured Speakers:

• Sumangala Damodaran, Professor, Development and Music Studies
• Youlendree Appasamy, Writer, Kutti Collective
• Amil Shivji, Director, Kijiweni Productions
• Sarah Ferdjani, Senior Programme Officer, Tourism and Creative Industry, AUDA-NEPAD

Moderators:

• Veda Vaidyanathan, Fellow, CSEP
• Pamla Gopaul, Senior Programme Officer, AUDA-NEPAD

‘The Africa-India Global Dialogue Series’ is a ten-part monthly webinar co-hosted by CSEP and the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD. This landmark partnership is an effort to push the discourse on development and growth into new frontiers.

The series platforms experts and practitioners from across Asia, Africa and beyond who can deliberate and debate themes of mutual interest. Outcomes of the webinars will be disseminated to every African member state and the final joint publication between CSEP and AUDA-NEPAD will inform governments, industry and multilaterals.

Previous Episodes: 

Episode 1: India-Africa Relations: Strengthening Strategic Cooperation

Episode 2: Developing Digital Futures: Tech Solutions & Policies for Inclusive Growth

Episode 3: Mining for Tomorrow: Sustainable Approaches to Critical Minerals and Value Creation

Episode 4: Africa and the World: Reimagining Global Partnerships

Episode 5: Building Resilient Health Systems: Global Health Diplomacy in Action

Episode 6: Africa’s Energy Leap: Driving Abundance While Tackling Climate Change

Episode 7: Power, Roads, Rail: Forging Infrastructure for Connectivity and Growth

Episode 8: Together We Grow: Reimagining Agricultural Ecosystems

All content reflects the individual views of the speakers. The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) does not hold an institutional view on any subject.