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• [BPIA PARTNER EVENT] GWU Future of Finance & Trade in Africa 3.0 Conference

  • When
    04/14/2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    George Washington University

  
  

  REGISTER HERE

  
  

  
  

  The Future of Finance & Trade in Africa 3.0 Conference 

  
  

  Join BPIA for The Future of Finance & Trade in Africa 3.0 Conference - a partner-hosted event bringing together global leaders to explore the evolving landscape of Africa’s economic development.

  Building on the success of previous editions, this convening will gather Central Bank Governors, government officials, private sector executives, technology leaders, members of the African diaspora, and academics to examine the key challenges and opportunities shaping Africa’s financial and trade future.

  Key discussion areas include:

  • Financial innovations driving Africa’s growth
  • Emerging technologies for inclusive economic development
  • Food security through sustainable agribusiness and innovation
  • Sustainable cities: renewable energy and affordable green housing
  • Infrastructure and logistics for unlocking Africa’s critical mineral corridors

  Featured speakers include leaders from global institutions such as the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, offering insights at the intersection of finance, policy, and development.

  This is a partner event approved by BPIA and shared with our community for awareness and participation.

  Venue: George Washington University
  

  ⏰ Date & Time: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 

  Age: 21+ | External registration Required (Link Here)

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• [BPIA PARTNER EVENT] 2026 Harvard African Development Conference

  • Start
    04/17/2026
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    04/18/2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Harvard University, Boston

  
  

  REGISTER HERE  

  
  

  Get 40% off your ticket with code ADCxBPIA 

  (BPIA Members Only)

  
  

  Date & Time: Friday, April 17-18, 2026 from 9:00am - 7:30 pm EDT

  VENUE: Harvard Kennedy School & Harvard Law School Boston MA
  

  
  

  

  Reclaiming Africa's Agency in a New Global Order

  BPIA is pleased to serve as a Media Partner for the 2026 Africa Development Conference (ADC). The 17th Annual Harvard Africa Development Conference examines Africa's position and future in a shifting global landscape. This year convening brings together leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to address a critical question:

  What does it look like when Africa moves from adapting to architecting the emerging order?

  BPIA members receive an exclusive 40% discount using code ADCxBPIA

  What to Expect:

  • Two days of panels and keynotes with senior practitioners
  • Private cocktail reception with speakers
  • Recruiting events with leading organizations
  • Policy hackathon
  • Cultural programming
  • Conference gala

  Featuring keynote addresses from Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group, and Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius, alongside heads of state, ministers, investors, and entrepreneurs.

  For speaker announcements and updates, follow ADC on Instagram 

  External registration Required (Link Here)

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• Interest Meeting: BPIA Collegiate Council R.I.S.E. Youth Network

  • When
    04/22/2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

  
  

  Register for our Interest Meeting Today!

  Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 6:30 pm ET 

  The Rising International Scholars for Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) is a national youth working group under Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) that welcomes high school, college students and young professionals (ages 13-22) to engage in both in‑person and virtual events focused on global affairs, leadership development, and cross‑cultural dialogue. 

  The RISE Youth Network builds community and creates pathways for connection between students and professionals, strengthening the pipeline of Black talent in international spaces and contributing to a more inclusive future for global leadership.

  Interested in joining? Fill out this Interest Form!

  
  

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• (Virtual) Monthly Meeting - BPIA Business and Economic Development Committee

  • When
    04/26/2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual (Zoom)

  Register

  BPIA Business and Economic Development Committee Monthly Meeting

  Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
  ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM ET
  Location: Zoom
  Join Link: https://hbs.zoom.us/j/92162128806?pwd=rSvv4LDlsW5iXp5HbRuhFiukhXaDsk.1

  
  

  
  

  Join the BPIA Business and Economic Development (BED) Committee for our upcoming monthly meeting — a space for connection, collaboration, and action among members interested in advancing economic initiatives.

  What You’ll Gain

  • Learn how to get involved in BED initiatives
  • Explore opportunities to host and lead events
  • Connect with BPIA members across sectors

  Who Should Attend

  We invite:

  • BPIA members
  • Professionals and students interested in economic development
  • Individuals engaged in policy, trade, investment, entrepreneurship, diaspora engagement, and global affairs

  Open to all BPIA members and the broader community.
  Advance registration is encouraged.

  
  

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• Fireside Chat on Strategic Communications & Influence ft. Under-Secretary-General Cristina Duarte, Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations Secretary-General

  • When
    05/02/2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Virtual (Zoom)

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Powell Institute Monthly Colloquium ft. Under Secretary-General Cristina Duarte, Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations Secretary-General

  Date & Time: Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 9-10 am EDT

  Location: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9794618227#success

  Open to: BPIA Member Exclusive 

  
  

  
  

  Event Description:

  Join the BPIA Colin Powell Leadership Institute, in partnership with the BPIA Africa Working Group, for an exclusive monthly Colloquium seminar that is open to the BPIA community featuring Under-Secretary-General Cristina Duarte. 

  This session advances Module 3: Strategic Communication and Influence, focusing on how leaders shape narratives, project executive presence, and communicate persuasively across complex political and public arenas.

  Drawing from global diplomacy, media engagement, and senior public leadership experience, this conversation will examine how communication choices influence credibility, authority, and outcomes in today’s rapidly shifting information environment. Participants will explore narrative framing, audience adaptation, and the strategic use of language as tools of leadership and influence.

  For Questions, email powellinstitute@iabpia.org

  
  

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  Speaker Bio:
  

  The United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) is led by the Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa to the UN Secretary-General, currently Ms. Cristina Duarte, appointed in July 2020 by Secretary-General António Guterres. Ms. Duarte brings over 34 years of leadership experience in public policy, finance, and international development, with extensive expertise in African economic and institutional reform. She previously served as Cabo Verde’s Minister of Finance and Planning (2006–2016) and held advisory and leadership roles with major international institutions including the UN, World Bank, IMF, and African Development Bank, as well as senior positions at Citibank. She holds advanced degrees in international management, business administration, and public policy, and is fluent in English, French, Italian, and Portuguese.

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• In Full Bloom: 2026 Madam Ambassador Program Closing Ceremony Garden Party & Afternoon Tea

  • When
    05/08/2026
  •  
    10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    Arlington, VA (location shared with confirmed guests)

  Register

  
  

  
  

  On behalf of the Madam Ambassador Program Committee, it is our distinct honor to invite you to join us for the 2026 Madam Ambassador Program Closing Ceremony Garden Party & Afternoon Tea. Join us for an elegant afternoon as we celebrate the accomplishments of our 2026 Madam Ambassador Delegates at the signature closing event of the season. The Madam Ambassador Program Garden Party & Afternoon Tea is a time-honored tradition—designed to uplift, connect, and reflect on the power of diplomacy, sisterhood, and global leadership.

  Date: Friday, May 8, 2026

  Time: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM ET

  Location: Venue details shared upon registration

  Registration Deadline: April 28, 2026  [registration required to attend; no door tickets]

  
  

  We welcome family, friends, and members of the BPIA Community At-Large to join this special celebration.

  Enjoy music, keynote speakers, and meaningful moments in a beautiful garden setting—honoring the next generation of women in global affairs. Program participants will be honored by esteemed guests, Ambassadors, diplomats, and government officials. Light refreshments, hors d'oeuvres, and tea will be served. Valet parking is available. 

  Important Information: 

  • Note that space is limited for this signature event. 

  • Advanced purchase of tickets is required for this event. Tickets will not be sold at the door. 

  • This event is open to the Madam Ambassador Delegates, Mentors, Alumni, Family, Friends, and the BPIA Community At-Large. 

  
  

  Attire:

  Dress in your finest elegant garden chic. Think floral dresses, pastel suits, wide-brimmed hats, stylish fascinators, dapper attire for gentlemen, and polished footwear suitable for a garden setting. Let your look reflect both grace and celebration.

  For questions, please contact madamambassador@iabpia.org. 

  
  

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• [BPIA PARTNER EVENT] Asian American Chamber of Commerce "Lunch with Leaders" Luncheon

  • When
    05/12/2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    PNC Place, 12th Floor, 800 17th st NW, Washington, DC 20006

  
  

  REGISTER HERE

  
  

  
  

  
  

  "Lunch with Leaders" Luncheon

  Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 

  Join BPIA for an Exclusive "Lunch with Leaders" Luncheon - a partner-hosted event in celebration of Asian heritage month, bringing together leaders and emerging professionals. 

  Key discussion areas include:

  • Gain insights from exceptional speakers
  • Connect with influential leaders in the region
  • Explore pathways for future success and collaboration

  This is a partner event approved by BPIA and shared with our community for awareness and participation.

  Member: $30  | Future Member: $40

  Venue: PNC Place, 12th Floor, 800 17th st NW, Washington, DC 20006

  ⏰ Date & Time: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM 

  Age: 21+ | External registration Required (Link Here)

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• BPIA Skate Day: A 1990's Hip-Hop Skate Social

  • When
    07/11/2026
  •  
    2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Temple Hill Skate Palace, 3132 Branch Ave, Temple Hills, MD, 20748

  Register

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  BPIA Skate Day

  A 1990’s Hip-Hop Skate Social

  
  

  Join BPIA for BPIA Skate Day—a high-energy 1990's hip-hop skate social designed to bring our community together through music, movement, and connection. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or stepping onto the rink for the first time, this family-friendly afternoon is all about wellness, nostalgia, and good vibes.

  This event is open to BPIA members and friends, and all skill levels are welcome. Entry is at the attendee’s expense. We look forward to rolling into summer with you!

  
  

  What to Expect:

  • 90s hip-hop soundtrack

  • Casual skating and socializing

  • Wellness through movement

  • Open to all skill levels

  • Skates are available for rent on-site.

  
  

  RSVP: https://iabpia.org/event-6576446 

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