Richard Attias Calls on National Conference of Black Mayors to Strengthen Ties with Africa

NEW YORK, June 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Richard Attias, Founder of the New York Forum, has called on local leaders from across the country to take a principal role in fostering growth and entrepreneurship in Africa. 

Speaking on Friday at the 38th annual National Conference of Black Mayors (NCBM) in Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Attias encouraged mayors in attendance to harness the power of the US-based African diaspora to bridge cultural gaps and encourage economic exchanges between the US and African nations. 

Mr. Attias's keynote address was delivered in advance of "New York Forum AFRICA," which will take place in Libreville, Gabon, from June 8-10, 2012. The New York Forum AFRICA is being hosted by President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba, and will bring together African heads of state, global business leaders, entrepreneurs and experts to discuss the key economic and business issues confronting Africa today.

As a noted leader in fostering global collaboration and a self-described "African-ist," Mr. Attias spoke passionately about the renaissance that Africa is currently experiencing stating that, "For me, the rise of Africa is not a dream, it is a reality that even the US has difficulty grasping. Africa is currently positioned to become a leader in the global marketplace for years to come. The era of condescending terminology such as 'developing world or third world' is over… Africa is a force ready for a new tomorrow and with a future that resembles last century's economic revolution of Asian societies."

Mr. Attias stressed that it is up to mayors and other local officials to take the lead in making decisions and initiating changes that will help the United States contribute to a globalized world.  Mayors, he said, are essentially "chiefs of global villages." 

During his address, Mr. Attias reminded the audience of Africa's great investment potential by pointing out that the continent is home to 1 billion people, 50% of whom are under the age of 25,  that 6 out of today's world's 10 fastest-growing economies are in sub-Sahara Africa and that 60% of the world natural resources come from the continent.

Mr. Attias concluded his speech by asking for mayors to support his initiative to form the Leadership and Entrepreneurship Facility for Africa.

The NCBM represents more than 650 African American Mayors across the US; collectively its membership represents over 48 million citizens. 

About The New York Forum
The New York Forum® was conceived out of a conviction that the business world is at a crucial crossroads. It is imperative to send a strong message of optimism about the future of the global economy, work to redefine corporate governance, create long-term value and reinvent business models by bringing together all stakeholders in the economy.

Our focus is on strengthening the connection between economic growth and job growth, the importance of cities as the key engines of dynamism and innovation, the challenges corporate leaders face in a time of volatility and uncertainty, and the distinct opportunities created by growth in emerging economies.

The New York Forum® brings together CEOs, investors, and policy makers to collaborate with industry experts to begin the process of reinventing business and creating a new paradigm for growth. http://www.ny-forum.com

About Richard Attias & Associates
Richard Attias & Associates is a strategic communications firm that provides private consultancy, idea initiatives and live experiences. Our mission is to help leaders, corporations and nations build their global influence, catalyze innovation and lead the global exchange of ideas.

Using our strategic and operational expertise, we craft unforgettable experiences: interactive platforms, living laboratories of human capital, and historic cultural exchanges that help foster positive change for the global community. 


Some of the work that Richard Attias and Associates has created or produced in the last year includes: New York Forum® (2011, May 2012, and June 2012 in Libreville, Gabon); APEC CEO Summit in Hawaii; The New York Times Schools for Tomorrow and Energy for Tomorrow in New York; Global Food Securities Forum in Morocco; Global Competitiveness Forum in Saudi Arabia; Meet the Moroccan Economy in New York; Qatar - US Business Forum in New York; Doha GOALS in Qatar; and African Securities Exchange Association in Morocco. http://www.richardattiasassociates.com

SOURCE The New York Forum