EAST LANSING, Mich. -- This month, Michigan State University will host a town hall meeting with African scholars, development professionals, international leaders and students to discuss United States assistance in the development of Africa
The free public town hall will take place from 1:30 to 5 p.m. June 26 in the Auditorium of the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.
During the forum, scholars, students, members of the African diplomatic corps, the general public and governmental and non-governmental organizations can assemble for short panel presentations followed by group conversation. Participants will help university scholars shape new ideas and directions for Africa's development.
The town hall will conclude the Midwest Summit on African Development, an event involving a broad spectrum of individuals and organizations exploring the role of U.S. universities, NGOs and foundations in advancing African development.
The Midwest Summit on African Development is a new collaboration initiated by MSU that will bring together scholars and professionals from public and private sectors to explore the development potential and challenges currently facing Africa.
Summit activities include a review of white papers, student advocacy training, a review of best practices and an advance screening of “A Road from Lubumbashi,” a PBS documentary film produced by Dan Banda, an Emmy award-winning filmmaker and honorary fellow in African studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The summit will consist of a two-day slate of workshops and meetings between faculty from MSU, Auburn University, Iowa State University, The Ohio State University and University of Wisconsin; African ambassadors; NGOs; and student leaders.
Several leaders and international development experts are scheduled to attend:

*Roger Thurow, senior fellow, global agriculture and food policy, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
*Richard Mkandawire, director: partnerships, resource, mobilization and communication, New Partnership for Africa’s Development
*Sam Dryden, director for agriculture, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
*Marv Baldwin, CEO, Foods Resource Bank

To RSVP or learn more about the town hall meeting, visit: http://isp.msu.edu/midwest-summit/.