The Ethiopian Embassy Leads a Consortium of Arts and Culture, Commercial and Economic Development, and Development Systems Strategists to Announce a “New Beginning” of Relationship Between and Amongst Diaspora Africans World-wide.  

Our joint efforts at bridge-building between the peoples of Ethiopia (both official and unofficial) and their Diasporan progeny will result in NBI’s first official event entitled the “New Beginning Initiative”.   This first introduction will occasion itself on the evening of Thursday, December 17^th, 2009 between the hours of 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.  The tentative order of service is as follows:

5:00 – 5:50 (approx)        Gathering, informal review of the Art Exhibition by African American artists (of Ethiopian descent) curated by Millennium Arts Salon (MAS) and MLIFF .

5:51 – 5:59 (approx)        Informal comments by the curators of the Art Exhibition, introduction of the artists, and purpose and role of art in the NBI (Juanita, Mini and Mel)

6:00 – 6:30 (approx)        Official Welcome by Embassy Staff (Wondimu)

6:00 – 6:30       “               Introduction and presentation of content about Ethiopia: Her history, sociology, economics, tourism potential, business opportunities, etc.  By Tahuti, Member of the Board of Directors of the Mignon L.I. Ford Foundation

6:31 – 6:50        “              Presentation on Ethiopian Art and Culture Tour with Wosene delegation by Juanita Hardy, Executive Director, Millennium Arts Salon, and Tour Director

6:51 – 7:00        “              Brief introduction of the MLIFF in the context of the New Center for the African Diaspora in Addis Ababa (Mini and/or Abiyi)

7:01 – 7:20        “              Presentation of the Green Trading House by GTH Team (Principals TBD)

7:21 – 7:30        “              Presentation of the “New Beginning Initiative” (NBI).  Wondimu will present the underlying framework for the NBI, and the role that the principals of the Ethiopian Embassy played in its development.  Melvin will discuss the systems approach and vision of the NBI.  Together, we will present the role of the initial partnership of the Ethiopian Embassy with Millennium Arts Salon and the Green Trading House (GTH).   The partnership accommodates: the arts and culture (MAS);  business, technology, commercial, and intellectual property sourcing (GTH); all working together to support the national development aspirations of the Ethiopian Government.  This combined activity derives from the NBI bridge building between the peoples of Ethiopia and their Diasporan kin throughout the world.  This initial event is the model and precursor to similar such events to be held subsequently at the South African Embassy and the Nigerian Embassy over the next 6 months.  The US GTH will be the principal commercial vehicle to execute NBI, coordinating the activity of capable vendors and intellectual property providers in the new “Green” economy, and legacy commercial enterprise as well.

 7:30 No Later                 Close by HE Wondimu Assamnew.

The New Beginning Initiative results from an initial collaboration between the US Green Trading House, Millennium Arts Salon, and the MLI Ford Foundation. Investment, economic development, cultural and academic exchanges, philanthropy, and commerce will be supported by the partnerships developed over the life of the NBI.  

Please join us as together we build a new chapter in global citizenry, prosperity, and business opportunity.