Cape Town – The annual Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) has been postponed to February, next year.
“In light of the deeply concerning global events taking place, the Black Impact Foundation has made the decision to reschedule the Global Black Impact Summit to 22-23 February 2024, in the United Arab Emirates,” organisers said.
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GBIS is a celebration of Black excellence, uniting role models, influential figures, and leaders from across the global black community to promote connectivity and engagement while inspiring the next generation of leaders.
The summit had initially been scheduled to take place in Dubai from 30 November to 1 December 2023.
However, the world focus has shifted to war in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 10 000 people, nearly half of them children.
The bombings in the Gaza Strip began a month ago in retaliation to the Hamas surprise deadly raid in Israel on 7 October that left a least 1 400 dead. Hamas took more than 200 people hostage.
The conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine continue unabated.
With everything going on in the world, both the Black Impact Foundation and GBIS event organiser Energy Capital & Power said it recognises that this is a time for “somber reflection”, not one of worldwide celebration.
Clarence Seedorf, Chairman of the Black Impact Foundation stated: “In light of the current global situation, we have made the decision to postpone GBIS to next year”.
Seedorf added: “A central point of focus of the summit is to connect the global Black community, uniting people, companies, and leaders under efforts to strengthen communities, generate new ideas and innovations while promoting the power that Black people hold.
“Our choice is driven by a respect for all those affected by current global events.”
In a joint statement, the Black Impact Foundation & GBIS added: “Our thoughts are with all those impacted.
“Stay resilient, and we will convene in the near future to pursue our shared goal of fostering positive change.”
