Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF)™

Namibia’s 5th Annual Family Conference: Celebrating the Family as the Bedrock of Society The Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF) extends its warm congratulations to Namibia for organizing its 5th Annual Family Conference, set to take place on December 10, 2024. This significant milestone highlights Namibia’s unwavering commitment to recognizing and upholding the family as the cornerstone of society. The family plays an essential role in nurturing individuals, fostering values, and building strong, cohesive communities. Protecting and promoting family values is a shared responsibility enshrined in national, regional, and international legal frameworks. The Namibian Constitution explicitly recognizes the family’s importance, emphasizing its role as the natural and fundamental unit of society. Article 14, for example, guarantees the right to marry and found a family, ensuring equal rights within marriage and its dissolution. It also mandates that "the family is entitled to protection by society and the State." This provision underscores the legal and societal acknowledgment of the family as a critical pillar of social stability. Similarly, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (Banjul Charter) reinforces this principle. Article 18 declares that "the family shall be the natural unit and basis of society," urging governments to protect its physical and moral well-being. It further calls on states to assist families as custodians of moral and traditional values, ensuring their centrality in preserving societal cohesion. On an international scale, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) echoes these sentiments, asserting in Article 16 that the family is "the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State." The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) also emphasize the family’s pivotal role in nurturing children and maintaining societal balance. These instruments collectively reinforce the need for strong policies that support and sustain families. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable leadership of Mr. Avshalom, ACPF’s Country Chairperson for Namibia. His tireless efforts have been central to organizing this year’s conference, ensuring it serves as a platform to celebrate the family while addressing challenges and opportunities for its growth and resilience. As we approach December 10, 2024, the ACPF invites members from Namibia, across Africa, and around the world to participate in this vital conference. It is a unique opportunity to celebrate the family’s role as the bedrock of society, reflect on its importance, and collectively advocate for its protection. Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting family values and ensuring they remain a cornerstone of our legal, cultural, and social systems. African Union United Nations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS STATEMENT CALL ON THE GOVERNMENT AND MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT OF SIERRA LEONE TO UPHOLD THE RULE OF LAW Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF) is an organization that brings together Christian Professionals from different countries in Africa from various denominations who are committed to promoting and protecting Family Values. We work closely with stakeholders and partners who form the national chapters to provide professional and technical support in influencing the development of a legal and social environment that is supportive of our values in society, the continent and beyond. ACPF strongly urges the Government and Members of Parliament of Sierra Leone to withdraw or amend the provisions within the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill, 2024, that allow the termination of pregnancies up to 14 weeks. These provisions violate the Constitution of Sierra Leone, contradict International Conventions to which Sierra Leone is a signatory, and undermine the sanctity of life, which is a fundamental principle of our shared moral and cultural values. The Constitution of Sierra Leone, under Article 16, guarantees the right to life, stating that “Every person has the right to life, and no one shall be deprived of life intentionally.” This protection extends to all stages of life, including the unborn. The Constitution stands as the supreme law of the land, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that no legislation is enacted that weakens its provisions or endangers human life. Sierra Leone Permanent Mission to UN Geneva Sierra Leone Cable United Nations African Union African Union Commission African Telecomm Union

AFRICAN VIEWPOINT ON FAMILY VALUES, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, AND NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY Africa, a continent rich in diverse cultures, traditions, and histories, finds itself at a critical juncture in its quest for sustainable development and socio-political cohesion. As global dynamics shift and external influences grow stronger, Africa must balance the preservation of its deep-rooted values with the demands of modernity. This challenge is particularly evident in the realms of family values, religious freedom, and national sovereignty—three pillars that have shaped the continent's identity for centuries. The 2nd Pan-African Conference on Family Values, Religious Freedom, and National Sovereignty serves as an essential platform for African leaders, policymakers, and civil society to engage in discussions about safeguarding these values amidst contemporary challenges. The Family remains as the bedrock of African societies, shaping individual identity, providing social support, and transmitting cultural norms across generations. Religious freedom, deeply embedded in the continent's history, ensures a space for spiritual expression and coexistence among diverse belief systems. National sovereignty, on the other hand, remains a cornerstone of African unity and independence, allowing the continent to assert its rights in an increasingly interconnected world. These values are not only central to Africa's cultural and social fabric but also critical to its economic and political stability. African Union NYC Family Policy Project Idaho Family Policy Center Family Research Council CHRISTIAN COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL Mark-Anthony Johnson United Nations Donald Trump Jr. Republican National Committee Republican Governors Association #family #life #sovereignty

Africa Christian Professionals Forum at the VI Transatlantic Summit in Madrid, Spain The Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF) participated in this year’s VI Transatlantic Summit, held in Madrid, Spain, and co-hosted by the Senate of Spain, the Heritage Foundation, and other notable pro-life and pro-family organizations, including Family Watch International, the Family Research Council, ADF International, and the Global Centre for Human Rights, among others. On the sidelines of the summit, ACPF engaged in significant conversations with Hon. Margarita, a Member of the European Parliament from Spain, focusing on the status of the contentious ACP-EU Treaty Partnership and other critical issues impacting Africa and Europe. Additionally, ACPF had insightful discussions with Senator John Crane, a conservative and Republican senator from Indiana, and Hon. Nicholas, a Member of Parliament from Brazil. ACPF extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Political Network for Values for the remarkable work they do annually. Their dedication to bringing together youth, training and empowering them, and supporting political leaders and pro-life and pro-family organizations through such robust engagements is invaluable. These initiatives not only inspire leadership but also strengthen global efforts in defending life and family values. These interactions and the broader summit align with ACPF's strategy for the upcoming conference, emphasizing the effective involvement of key global stakeholders. ACPF looks forward to engaging more leaders and strategic organizations during the ongoing summit in the Senate in Madrid. By participating in high-profile events such as the Transatlantic Summit, ACPF continues to expand its network, fostering partnerships and collaborations both within and beyond Africa. These efforts are pivotal in advancing the forum’s mission to defend life, promote family values, and champion good governance. For more information reach out via: https://www.acpf.africa The Heritage Foundation Family Research Council

2nd Pan-African Conference on Family Values, Religious Freedom, and National Sovereignty Dear Members, Partners, Friends, and Collaborators, We are delighted to announce the 2nd Pan-African Conference on Family Values, Religious Freedom, and National Sovereignty, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 12th to 17th, 2025. This significant event will convene Christian professionals, allied organizations, institutions, youth leaders, policymakers, faith leaders, and advocates from across Africa and beyond. Together, we will discuss critical issues surrounding the preservation of family values, the safeguarding of religious freedoms, and the promotion of national sovereignty. Key highlights of the conference will include: 1. Thought-provoking keynote speeches from global leaders and experts. 2. Interactive panel discussions and workshops. 3. Networking opportunities with professionals and organizations dedicated to shared values. 4. Actionable strategies for strengthening faith-based initiatives across the continent. We invite you to mark your calendars and join us in this transformative gathering as we chart the way forward for a stronger and united Africa rooted in our shared faith and principles. More details regarding the venue, speakers, and registration process will be shared in the coming weeks. For inquiries, please reach out to us at events@acpf.africa. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming you to Nairobi in May 2025. Family Research Council The Heritage Foundation Beijing Glory Aristocrat Family International Watch Co., Ltd World Congress on Education (WCE) Mark-Anthony Johnson ProLife Equipamentos Médicos ProFamily Political Network for Values Hindu Council of Kenya African Union East African Community United Nations CitizenGO 40 Days For Life CHRISTIAN COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL ADF International Institute for Women's Health Indiana House Republicans Donald Trump Jr. BELIZE #family #life #sovereignty #religiousfreedom

PRESS STATEMENT WORLD CHILDREN’S DAY AND COMMENDING SADC INITIATIVE The Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF) commends the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and its member states for their unwavering commitment to children’s rights and well-being, as demonstrated by the Regional World Children’s Day celebrations hosted in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This event aligns with the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), adopted by the African Union (AU), which emphasises the protection, development, and participation of children as essential to Africa's socio-economic progress. The presence of over 7,000 children from Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe reaffirms the region’s dedication to the shared objectives of the AU Agenda 2063, specifically Aspiration 6, which envisions an Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of its children and youth. SADCCF Transportation KPMG Zimbabwe African Union East African Community United Nations UNICEF Mark-Anthony Johnson South Africa Government of Botswana Government of Zimbabwe Rhodesia Malawi School of Government Save the Children International African Children's Fund ACPF Africa Christian Professionals Forum #WORLDCHILDRENDAY

Access to electricity is essential for development, yet nearly 600 million Africans remain without it, creating barriers to health, education, productivity, digital inclusivity, resilience, and employment. Achieving a global clean energy transition also depends on addressing this energy gap, especially in Africa, where reliance on traditional, polluting energy sources affects health and the environment. Originally launched in April 2024 by The World Bank Group and the African Development Bank, #Mission300 is a bold initiative to close Africa’s electricity access gap by providing affordable energy to 300 million people on the continent. The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and The Rockefeller Foundation, have joined the #PoweringAfrica cause. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4gy5gX6 #COP29 #AfDBatCOP29 #AfricaCOP

Joint Report on Multilateral Development Banks’ (MDBs) Climate Finance: MDBs have mobilised $125 bln for climate financing in 2023—more than double the 2019 levels. The announcement of the findings in the joint report came ahead of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (#COP29) being held in Baku, Azerbaijan this month, where one of the key expected deliverables is an increase in global climate financing and a deal on a new collective target. Commenting on the report, Anthony Nyong, African Development Bank Director for Climate Change and Green Growth, said, “The Bank has increased its climate finance from 9 percent in 2016 to 55 percent in 2023. This substantial increase demonstrates the Bank's steadfast commitment to delivering growth and climate change outcomes in synergy, thereby fostering resilience and sustainable development across Africa.” Coordinated by the European Investment Bank (EIB), the 2023 report consolidates data from 9 other major multilateral development banks: the African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), CEB - Council of Europe Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Inter-American Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), New Development Bank (NDB), and The World Bank Group. See how we're scaling up our #ClimateAction: https://bit.ly/3ZsnKCk #AfricaCOP #AfDBatCOP29

LET YOUR ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTION BE PART OF THE MAY 12TH -17TH 2025 CONFERENCE TODAY BY REGISTERING! The Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF) is delighted to invite your organization to join us as a partner for the upcoming conference. This event offers a unique platform to foster collaboration, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussions on critical issues shaping our communities and beyond. If your organization would like to have its representative or leader featured as one of the speakers, panelists, exhibitors of your work or volunteer we encourage you to express your interest by submitting the necessary details. Please send your information to events@acpf.africa or info@acpf.africa for consideration. Early submissions will help facilitate the planning process and ensure smooth coordination. We value the opportunity to work with like-minded organizations and believe that your voice will significantly contribute to the success of this conference. Together, we can make a lasting impact. We look forward to your positive response and partnership! https://lnkd.in/dZZ8D9qy

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