5th Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
Organization for Economic Development and Diplomacy
The Making of Global Leaders: Youth of African Descent Advancing Diplomacy, Economic Equity, and Cyber Protection
Description: The Fireside Chat will detail OEDD’s multilateral diplomacy infrastructure development project to deliver technical skills training, mentorship and network access promotion for Afro-descent young professionals.
Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM CEST
Location: Palais Des Nations, Room 3
Discussants:Part 1: Candies Kotchapaw (OEDD Executive Director and Head of Mission at the Diplomatic Horizons Mock Embassy and Consulate); Dr. Gaynel Curry (Vice Chair of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, Human Rights Lawyer and Mentor in the Black Diplomats Academy); Dr. Epsy Campbell Barr, Former Vice-President of Costa Rica (Inaugural Chair of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and champion on the Strategic Alliance between African and Afro-descendent Women.
Moderator: Vibya NatanaTime:
2:00 - 2:45pm● Presentation of Award to Dr. Epsy Campbell Barr - Diplomatic Ambassador of the International Decade on People of African Descent.
● Remarks by Dr. Campbell Barr on her leadership and the establishment of the Strategic Alliance Between African and Afro-descendent Women.
Time: 2:45 - 2:55Part 2: Kimara Russell (Program officer for youth in Digital Innovations), Aliyah Kotchapaw (Digital Innovations program participants), Natisha Archer (Attaché for Youth in Parliamentary Diplomacy - Lead Like A Girl program) and Ruth McDonald (Lead Like A Girl program participant).
Time: 2:55 - 3:15pm
Moderator: Angelica Johnson Baptista
