Global Africa Diaspora Summit (Photo by Francisco Little)

The first Global African Diaspora Summit themed "Towards the Realization of a United and Integrated Africa and Its Diaspora" was held in Johannesburg, South Africa on May 25, the Africa Day.

The African Union (AU) has defined the African Diaspora as "consisting of people of African origin living outside the continent, irrespective of their citizenship and nationality and who are willing to contribute to the development of the continent and the building of the African Union."

Attended by more than 50 African, South American, Caribbean heads of state and delegation leaders and officials, and hosted by the AU in partnership with the South African Government, the summit was preceded by an African Diaspora Ministerial Meeting in the South African capital of Pretoria. 

The summit's aims are to create sustainable partnerships between African Diaspora and the African continent through an achievable program of action, and strengthen Pan-African solidarity for a better Africa and the Diaspora.

(Reporting from Johannesburg, South Africa)

South African President Jacob Zuma (right) welcomes Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe the Diaspora Summit (Photo by Francisco Little)

South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit at Diaspora Summit (Photo by Francisco Little)