Global Rendezvous: A Celebration of Unity and Vision for Africa
The Global Rendezvous is a cherished annual tradition where Harambeans gather on the 21st of June (the winter/summer solstice) at 7pm local time for a special dinner event. This gathering serves as an opportunity to strengthen bonds of collaboration, reintroduce members to the core values and traditions of the Alliance, and familiarize prospective Harambeans with its spirit. Above all, it reaffirms Harambeans’ commitment “to work together as one” to build Africa’s future.
A Relaxed Environment for Meaningful Connections
The dinners, organized by Harambeans, provide a relaxed setting for members to connect and form meaningful relationships beyond the major Harambe events. In 2023, 53 Harambeans from 10 cities across three continents participated in this important tradition.
A Structured Agenda for Reflection and Inspiration
Each dinner follows a structured agenda, beginning with a reading. This is followed by the “rose, thorn, and bud” reflective activity, where attendees share a personal or professional victory (rose), a recent challenge (thorn), and an emerging opportunity (bud) in under a minute. To close the evening on a hopeful note, each Harambean is invited to share a wish: What would they hope to see come true by the next Global Rendezvous? The evening concludes with a closing reading and, of course, the obligatory selfie!
Testimonials from Harambeans: Why the Global Rendezvous Matters
As Matthew de la Hey H’15, Co-founder and CEO of inploi, shared, “I choose to attend the Global Rendezvous gathering to reconnect with other Harambeans, meet new ones, and be inspired by how much has been accomplished—and refocused on how much remains to be done.”
Frank Williams H’23, Co-founder and CEO of TopSet, echoed this sentiment, saying, “I attend the Global Rendezvous because I love the Harambean network and its values. I can’t wait to spend time with this phenomenal group of people committed to building Africa’s future.”