Kampala, Uganda – Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development in Uganda, has extended an invitation to over 120 artists from across the globe to consider Uganda as the venue for one of their future congresses. Minister Amongi made this proposal during her participation as the Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Congress of the International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists (IAPMA) held in Dresden, Germany.
The invitation came following discussions with IAPMA President Franziska Leischker, also known as Fides Linien, and The Xsabo Foundation, the organization responsible for funding the IAPMA Congress 2023 and associated events in Germany.
IAPMA, which boasts 652 members representing 56 countries worldwide, holds a prominent position as the leading global organization for paper artists.
The opening ceremony showcased “PAPER ALIVE!,” an exhibition featuring 82 artworks from more than 30 countries. This event provided an exceptional opportunity for the general public and art enthusiasts to explore the intricate relationship between papermaking, contemporary art, and society. It highlighted the significant role of paper as a valuable resource and a powerful medium for social commentary and political change.
The Xsabo Foundation, a Ugandan non-profit organization, funded the IAPMA Congress 2023 and its associated events in Germany. It is affiliated with The Xsabo Group, a key player in Afro-European commercial diplomacy and renewable energy initiatives aimed at fostering zero-net economic growth in Africa. This marked a unique instance of an organization from the Global South fully financing a major international event within the European Union (EU).
Matthias Roessler, President of Parliament, who accompanied Minister Amongi, acknowledged the rarity of a Ugandan-based Afro-European foundation providing financial support for such a significant international event in Germany. He emphasized how globalization enables economic success transcending national borders.
Minister Amongi addressed the congress participants, hailing from over 30 countries worldwide, emphasizing the importance of her delegation’s visit to Germany. She expressed her intent to support Uganda’s budding creative sector by benchmarking international best practices and offering optimal ministerial support.
She underscored the congress’s significance as an opportunity to foster cultural exchange and promote the value of art and cultural heritage, both within Uganda and as instruments of international understanding and cooperation.
Minister Amongi committed to leveraging her position to promote art in Africa, fostering exchanges with other African ministers responsible for art and engaging in international forums.
During the same event, Parliament President Matthias Roessler highlighted the presence of the Ugandan minister in Dresden as an opportunity to strengthen the mutually beneficial bilateral relationship between Uganda and Germany. Uganda remains the focus country for economic cooperation activities within the Free State of Saxony.
Alobo, CEO/Managing Director of The Xsabo Group and Chairman of The Xsabo Foundation, shared insights with journalists about the discussions held during the event.
Additionally, Minister Amongi provided valuable insights into Uganda’s efforts to create a safe and supportive environment for displaced individuals from neighboring troubled countries and beyond.
