Objectives and Values

The JMCA aims to highlight the richness, diversity, and creativity of African and Afro-descendant cultures throughout the world.

It also promotes the Charter of African Cultural Renaissance, adopted on January 24, 2006, by the Heads of State of the African Union.

It is an opportunity to strengthen cultural identity, solidarity among peoples, and a sense of intergenerational fraternity.

PREAMBLE

Recognizing the universal importance of African and Afro-descendant culture as a foundation of global heritage;

Honoring the proclamation of the Journée Mondiale de la Culture Africaine et Afro-descendante (JMCA) by UNESCO, celebrated every January 24th worldwide;

Acknowledging the mission of the Marine Foundation to promote peace through educational, cultural, environmental, and socio-economic development projects across 240 nations;

Affirming the launch of AFRICAFEST, a 14-day international festival dedicated to the celebration of African culture, innovation, youth empowerment, and creative industries, hosted under the Marine Foundation’s global protocol;

The following Agreement expresses the shared intent of partnership and cultural alliance between JMCA and Marine Foundation – AFRICAFEST, forming a united international platform for the elevation of Africa’s cultural, economic, and spiritual renaissance.

ARTICLE 1 – PURPOSE

1 – This Convention establishes a formal association between JMCA and AFRICAFEST in order to:

2 – Align the JMCA Day (January 24) as the official opening ceremony of AFRICAFEST each year.

3 – Extend the spirit of JMCA across a 14-day global festival hosted under the Marine Foundation’s international system.

4 – Promote the values of African heritage, creativity, peace, and global unity through coordinated cultural diplomacy.

ARTICLE 2 – SHARED PRINCIPLES

Both parties agree to work together in the spirit of:

• Cultural Renaissance – preserving, promoting, and transmitting African cultural legacies.

• Peace and Education – using artistic and cultural exchange as tools for diplomacy and human development.

• Economic Empowerment – supporting the creative, tourism, and cultural industries of Africa.

• Youth and Community Engagement – providing opportunities for African youth to shine on the world stage.

ARTICLE 3 – MUTUAL ENGAGEMENT

JMCA commits to:

1 – Offer its official symbolic endorsement as the cultural foundation of AFRICAFEST.

2 – Share communication channels, content, and institutional support when appropriate.

3 – Introduce AFRICAFEST to JMCA’s global network of cultural stakeholders.

The Marine Foundation commits to:

1 – Host AFRICAFEST as the official 14-day extension of JMCA each year.

3 – Include JMCA dignity and protocol within its ceremonies, programs, and media.

4 – Promote JMCA’s core values throughout all AFRICAFEST activities and communication campaigns.

ARTICLE 4 – FESTIVAL FORMAT

AFRICAFEST will be held annually for 14 consecutive days following the JMCA celebration on January 24 and may include:

• International ceremonies and cultural performances

• Africa-focused academic forums, conferences, and masterclasses

• Pan-African marketplace (fashion, art, culinary arts, music, cinema)

• Awards ceremonies honoring cultural excellence and peacebuilding

• Youth and women leadership programs

• Diplomatic receptions and partnering opportunities

ARTICLE 5 – NON-FINANCIAL AGREEMENT

This Convention does not impose any financial obligation on either party.
Each organization remains autonomous, retaining full sovereignty in its structure, mission, and external partnerships.

ARTICLE 6 – DURATION

This Convention is valid for an initial term of five (5) years, automatically renewable unless otherwise stated in writing by either party.

ARTICLE 7 – SIGNATURES

Signed in the spirit of peace, cultural unity, and African renaissance.

For the JMCA
Name / Title
Signature
Date

For the Marine Foundation – AFRICAFEST
Tomeo Motto Gressard-Nakamura
Chairman, Marine Foundation
Signature
Date