Policy Leaders Forum: Amb. Arikana Chihombori-Quao
The Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University and the African Studies Center, an affiliated regional center of the Pardee School, hosted H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, the African Union Ambassador to the United States, on September 6, 2018 for a wide-ranging discussion on the current state and future of engagement between the U.S. and Africa.
The event was part of the Policy Leaders Forum series at the Pardee School that brings senior international policymakers to Boston University for important policy conversations with guests including faculty, students and experts from across Boston University.
Amb. Chihombori-Quao discussed how to forge productive partnerships among the African diaspora, the academic community and the African Union as well as how these communities can collaborate and facilitate more inclusive U.S.-Africa engagement in policymaking and economic development.
Prior to the Policy Leaders Forum, Amb. Chihombori-Quao visited classes to speak with students and faculty at the African Studies Center, and also met with Pardee School Associate Dean for Academic Affairs William Grimes.
As the African Union Ambassador to the U.S., Amb. Chihombori-Quao focuses on reinforcing the longstanding and deep historic, cultural and economic relations between Africa and the U.S. She plays a key role in reinforcing the African Union strategic partnerships with the United States, grounded on shared values and mutual interests.
Prior to her appointment as the African Union Ambassador to the U.S. in 2016, Amb. Arikana Chihombori-Quao was a renowned family medicine doctor in Murfreesboro, Tennessee where she has been practicing medicine for the last 25 years. Amb. Chihombori-Quao is known internationally for her diligent efforts to improve healthcare systems, particularly in countries in Africa, and to promote women’s rights around the globe. Nearly 20 years ago, at a conference organized by then-Africa Resources, Presidents Nelson Mandela and Robert Muugabe presented Amb. Chihombori-Quao with an Achievement Award.
The Policy Leaders @BUPardeeSchool series brings senior international policymakers to Boston University for conversations with faculty, students and guests. Previous speakers in the series have included Senator Daniel Coats, the United States Director for National Intelligence; Dr. Rukakana Rugunda, Prime Minister of Uganda; Steve Beshear, the former Governor of Kentucky; Dr. Woo Yoon-keun, Secretary General on the National Assembly of South Korea; and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).