We support this generous initiative. We should have been able to carry and nurture this project. But since we weren't able to do so, Jean-Louis Borloo stood out. As State leaders we now should continue to promote this project to other State leaders, to the ECOWAS, and to the African Parliament.
Africa in one word to me is the diversity of colors, the wideness of its land, the beauty of the landscapes.
A number?
A population doubling: from 1.4 billion to 2.8 billion inhabitants in the upcoming 30 years. It never happened in the History of Humanity.
A dream for Africa?
For all African to reach a decent education level.
A story? An anecdote?
I have many but there's probably one coming to mind, especially since we are here at Condé Nast. One day, I was in the street in Senegal and I saw probably the most beautiful in the world. Her name was Christine, we called her Kiki, and I was stroke by the beauty of this traditionally dressed woman, with a curved body and a lot of class, elegance and extraordinary chic. It might have been the view of this woman that made me want to work in the fashion industry. And today I am surrounded by beautiful women but I always remember Kiki.
A proposal
Like I said earlier, education is to me the key to a country's and a generation's future. Today, we have the possibility to provide access to education to the largest number of people via internet through online universities, online classes, to what we call MOOC or SPOC. It's an incredible idea to put in place an educational platform on the internet where all Africans could attend classes depending on their levels and feeding their own needs. To do so, we need internet, and in order to get internet, we need electricity.
Africa by night...
When I see the images of Africa by night, it's striking. Truth being told, it tormented me both because I had absolutely no idea what the situation was, and because it's a deeply unfair. Why would all continent be illuminated by night but one, Africa? So it means we have a personal and collective responsibility to make sure that in 50 years, when we take another picture, all continent will be equally illuminated, in number of lights and in intensity.
Energies for Africa
To me, Jean-Louis Borloo's initiative is the most noble expression of politics, meaning committing to an universal cause. Seeing him, we realize we need men like him with a vision we can't say no to. So I entirely agree with his vision, especially because it's extremely simple, it's a basic idea, it's a feasible idea, it's not utopian, and it's an idea where all commitments - personal and collective - can make a difference. So I think this initiative is remarkable and I totally support it.
My commitment
Africa is the only continent - South Africa excluded - where none of our magazines are present. IF we did the same map with Condé Nast, the African continent would look like it does on Jean-Louis Borloo's map, meaning it wouldn't be lighted. The next Vogue will be Vogue Africa.
Africa in one word
To me, complicated stories begin because it's impossible to extensively simplify Africa, which is more sophisticated than we imagine, with many more differences and spreads. The way we globally approach the continent might be quite complicated including in terms of religions. Looking closer we can not put them all in the same place hoping they'll stay put because there're only Africans.
One number
650 million cell-phones is a way to tell people they are not going to follow the same process, the same path, they will simplify and radicalize because they are inventing a future at their own pace to avoid useless steps. They directly went to the step where they pay with their cell-phones so it's striking to see them with 650 million cell-phones.
A dream for Africa
For them to discover their own path, to not follow the Asians' footsteps so nervous, so liberal, and so willing to move faster than everyone else and therefore polluting: half of China is sunk in an unbreathable air. I don't want Africans to compare themselves with Americans or Europeans, but to find their own way, more harmonious, more interesting and respectful of those who started later to arrive earlier.
A story? An anecdote?
It can not leave women out. In the Women Forum in particular, we often saw African delegations with great qualities among which the capacity to mobilize French women by explaining to them how much they are fighting over there, how their challenges are great ones, how most construction works were done by women, and how it was in our interest to keep climbing, to continue to consider the issue of women as an important one.
Africa by night
I think we must hurry. We have to give them access to lighting, it has become urgent if we don't want to have problems. This picture is beautiful, it makes people think and they all say: some people have to be given more, they need more. Energy is not always negative.
Energies for Africa
It's just pure happiness! First because Borloo is crazy for having decided that we were going to change it all overnight. This person from across the world wants to light a whole continent with his own energy; is it possible not to melt? We would want him to take care of everything.
My commitment
To help as many people as possible, such as Jean-Louis, to try bringing something to Africa in particular. The challenge of energy seems very important.
The link with women is fascinating, African women are exceptional and I want to create links and personal exchanges. I remember a meeting on Francophone countries: African women had so much more vigor and energy than us, and I said to myself we needed to come up with places where they could talk because they truly are magnificent.
A story? An anecdote?
I remember being in Ouagadougou not so long ago. I was impressed to see a wall with both Che Guevara and Obama on it, both were heroes for the artists of this wall. I thought it was great!
A proposal
For every African to have access to internet.
Africa by night... A proposal
This beautiful picture - where we see all the continent lit up except for Africa - it followed us throughout the years Jean-Louis Borloo was Minister of Ecology. He was obsessed with it, he was showing it everywhere he went, so it always inspired us for all this time.
Energies for Africa
I think it's fascinating, exciting, and inspiring. I think it's exactly what needs to be done, everyone is enthusiastic and I'm the first one of them. So, I think that the key to everything is the energy, with a little water, I'm not forgetting water I'm including it.
My commitment:
To be useful, if I can be useful, I'm thrilled. I like beautiful causes and the more difficult the more beautiful.
FRANCAIS
ENGLISH
ALL OF AFRICA IS ENTITLED TO ELECTRICITY
650 MILLION AFRICANSLIVE WITHOUT LIGHT AND ELECTRICITY
THE PLAN LIGHT AND ELECTRICITY FOR ALL
THE APPEAL OF AFRICA TO THE WORLDNOVEMBER, 3, 2015
THE MOBILIZATION OF MEDICAL TEACHERSNO HEALTH WITHOUT ELECTRICITY
