CNN Launches Global Perspectives to Spotlight Africa’s Role in the Future of the World
In a bold move to bridge global conversations and deepen understanding of emerging world dynamics, CNN has launched a new event franchise, Global Perspectives, with Africa at the center of its inaugural edition.
Set to take place in London on November 3, 2025, the first edition of Global Perspectives will bring together global changemakers, business executives, political leaders, and innovators to explore how Africa is helping shape the future of growth, innovation, and international partnerships.
CNN is well known for delivering agenda-setting journalism. Now, it is extending that platform beyond the newsroom and into live global forums. With a strong lineup of speakers and CNN’s top journalists moderating, this new event is designed to provoke thought, inspire action, and spotlight solutions.
Africa at the Center of the Conversation
The inaugural theme, Global Perspectives: On Africa, is timely. Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies, a vibrant startup scene, and a young, creative population. CNN is positioning this edition as a conversation about the continent’s role in shaping a new global order.
Opening remarks will be delivered by CNN Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson. The day will feature carefully curated sessions moderated by CNN journalists including Christiane Amanpour, Richard Quest, Zain Asher, Larry Madowo, and Jim Sciutto.
Among the first wave of confirmed speakers are:
- Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General, World Trade Organization
- Dr Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair, Mo Ibrahim Foundation
- Clare Akamanzi, CEO, NBA Africa
- Masai Ujiri, Co-founder, Zaria Group and Giants of Africa
- Nonkululeko Nyembezi, Chairman, Standard Bank Group
- Olugbenga Agboola, CEO, Flutterwave
- Alex Okosi, Managing Director, Africa, Google
- Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild, Council for Inclusive Capitalism
- Lucy Liu, Co-founder and President, Airwallex
- H.E. Javier Niño Pérez, EU Ambassador to the African Union
- Sunny George Verghese, CEO, Olam International
- Nadia Calviño, President, European Investment Bank
Hosted at London’s Newest Luxury Venue
Global Perspectives will be one of the first events to be held at the Chancery Rosewood Hotel, London’s newest luxury event space. This prestigious setting reflects the caliber of the event and its guests.
CNN plans to capture and share key moments from the event across its global platforms, culminating in a special program on CNN International that will broadcast the highlights to viewers worldwide.
A Platform for Dialogue, Solutions, and Action
Ellana Lee, CNN’s Group Senior Vice President and Global Head of Productions, described the new initiative as a place where insight meets action.
We are living through rapid, dynamic global change, she said. Global Perspectives is designed to gather those driving that change and create smart, meaningful conversations with CNN’s journalists. These discussions will help audiences everywhere better understand our shifting world.
Commercial Impact and Brand Alignment
Beyond the conversations, CNN sees Global Perspectives as a valuable commercial platform. Afreximbank has already signed on as the event’s first sponsor, gaining branding, activation, and cross-platform visibility across CNN’s global network.
According to James Hunt, CNN’s Senior Vice President for Global Client Solutions, the event offers commercial partners an opportunity to engage with influential audiences through a multi-platform experience.
This is a premium extension of CNN’s long-standing position as a destination for global insight and high-level debate, Hunt said. Global Perspectives opens the door for our partners to connect with an elite audience of decision makers and change agents.
Looking Ahead
Future editions of Global Perspectives will explore other regions, sectors, and themes. From tech and sustainability to health and education, each edition will be designed to reflect the biggest challenges and opportunities of our time.
To learn more about attending, speaking, or sponsoring, visit the official site at cnnicevents.cnn.com/globalperspectives.
