Arusha is referred to as the « Geneva of Africa » because it is home to the headquarters of not less than 21 international organizations like the East African Community (EAC), the African Institute of International Law, the Pan African Postal Union, to name a few.
In October 2025, on the International Day of the Girl Child, our Girl Interrupted campaign, a Swiss initiative raising awareness about adolescent pregnancy, debuted in Zürich.
Building on this successful launch, the campaign will embark on a tour of East Africa, beginning in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in March 2026, before culminating in a three-day forum in Arusha in October 2027.
This forum will showcase artwork from across the region, offering diverse perspectives on the issue.
A key element of the project involves commissioning local artists to explore adolescent pregnancy through their own cultural lens and lived experiences. These diverse artistic interpretations, curated by Felix Bucher, will be presented alongside his own work, creating an exhibition that tackles this complex global issue while fostering intercultural exchange.
The Arusha forum will serve as a vital platform for dialogue, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders. Experts, advocates, and individuals with lived experience will join representatives from NGOs, policymakers, UN organizations, the diplomatic community, and the private sector to discuss solutions and drive meaningful change within communities.
The forum will address critical topics such as reproductive and sexual health, mental health, gender-based violence, stigma, and discrimination, to name a few.
Through a multifaceted approach including art-based dialogues, conferences, panel discussions, podcasts, and radio programs, the forum aims to establish a dynamic, multicultural space where adolescent girls are at the heart of the Conversation. The entire event will be documented to amplify its reach and impact, promoting education, empowerment, and support within communities.
The Arusha Forum aspires to be a catalyst, sparking crucial conversations, critical thinking, and active engagement. It seeks to build relationships with regional partners and corporations, foster business development for effective projects, and provide opportunities for field partners to showcase their expertise and initiatives, ultimately empowering them to secure essential funding.
On Board Together 