2024 Summer School for Political Speechwriters Concluded in Cadenabbia, Italy

Director, Hendrik Sittig, giving his welcome note and opening the workshop.

Ismail Kiirya, National Youth Leader of the Uganda Young Democrats, delivering his practical speech.

Participants during a session led by Michael Dobis on Audience Centric Speechwriting.

Course convenor, Dr. Heather Thuynsma teaching on Understanding Different Political Contexts.

Senegalese facilitator, Aisha Dabo, explaining alternative voting methods to participants.

Mkhuleko Hlengwa, South African Member of Parliament, during a discussion.

Dr. Thuynsma, interacting with participants during a speech drafting session.

Amy Ashworth from the university of Pretoria, South Africa, during her practical speech.

Yanga Malotana, Commissioner on the South Africa Commission for Gender Equality makes her practial speech.

For three days, Cadenabbia, Italy, served as the venue for our 2024 Summer School for Political Speechwriters. Six African politicians and communication experts gathered at Konrad Adenauer's historic summer residence to refine their speechwriting skills.

Under the guidance of expert facilitators from the USA, Germany, Senegal, and South Africa, participants delved into essential speech drafting elements such as AI utilization, combatting disinformation, emotional storytelling, and audience-centric communication. The programme concluded with participants showcasing their newfound skills through individual speeches.

Upon the conclusion of the workshop, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, a participant from South Africa and Member of Parliament said, “a speech is not just what you write, it is a message that has consequence for the future”, about a critical lesson he learnt from the course.

The event underscored our dedication to fostering the next generation of African leaders. Equipped with refined abilities, participants departed Cadenabbia prepared to effect positive change through the power of speech, inspired by Adenauer's legacy.