Cool Czechia: Another Group of Young African Leaders Visited Czechia Again
17.10.2025 / 11:10 | Aktualizováno: 17.10.2025 / 12:03
From October 8 to 17, 2025, the third edition of the Cool Czechia program took place in Prague and Telč. This initiative is part of a long-term effort by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic aimed at building connections with the emerging generation of young African leaders. This year, 20 talented Africans from various fields and 15 different countries across the continent, from Morocco to South Africa, participated in the program. During their stay, participants had a unique opportunity to learn not only about Czech institutions, media, and non-governmental organizations, but also about the Czechia’s views on international issues.
The official opening of the program took place at the Czernin Palace and was attended by Kateřina Sequensová, Director General for Non-European Countries, Economic and Development Cooperation, and Václav Prášil, Director of the Sub-Saharan Africa Department. They welcomed the participants and discussed with them the growing importance of Africa in today’s globalized world.
"Africa has gained geopolitical, strategic, security, and economic significance and is rapidly developing its relationships with partners across all continents. Czechia definitely does not want to be left behind." said Director General Kateřina Sequensová in her opening remarks.
In the first days of the program, participants visited the Office of the President of the Czech Republic, the Václav Havel Library, the interactive center “Experience Europe,” and the exhibition Lucy and Selam at the National Museum. During Media Day, they visited Czech Radio and Czech Television, where they had the opportunity to meet and network with Czech journalists.
The program also included a screening of the film Waves.
On Monday, October 13, the group attended the Forum 2000 conference, where they had the chance to engage with individual speakers and connect with the African group of Forum 2000, "Democratic Solidarity Africa."
The group then moved on to the town of Telč, where they participated in discussions on global security, the war in Ukraine, and the role of NATO in today’s world. These sessions were led by David Stulík, Special Envoy for the Eastern Partnership, and Tatjana Jakšičová, Director of the Security Policy Department. During a meeting with the mayor of Telč, the participants learned about the city's approach to heritage preservation and how regional self-government operates.
On the way back from Telč, the group visited the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant, where they engaged in discussions with experts on a wide range of topics—from renewable energy sources to advanced nuclear technologies.
“Deepening our relations with Africa is becoming one of the priorities of our foreign policy. One area we want to place special emphasis on is building vibrant relationships with young and talented individuals.” said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Jiří Kozák during the closing ceremony, where commemorative certificates were awarded to participants.
