Fireside Chat on Strategic Communications & Influence ft. Under-Secretary-General Cristina Duarte, Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations Secretary-General

Powell Institute Monthly Colloquium ft. Under Secretary-General Cristina Duarte, Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations Secretary-General

Date & Time: Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 9-10 am EDT

Location: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9794618227#success

Open to: BPIA Member Exclusive 

Event Description:

This session advances Module 3: Strategic Communication and Influence, focusing on how leaders shape narratives, project executive presence, and communicate persuasively across complex political and public arenas.

Drawing from global diplomacy, media engagement, and senior public leadership experience, this conversation will examine how communication choices influence credibility, authority, and outcomes in today’s rapidly shifting information environment. Participants will explore narrative framing, audience adaptation, and the strategic use of language as tools of leadership and influence.

For Questions, email powellinstitute@iabpia.org

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Speaker Bio:

The United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) is led by the Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa to the UN Secretary-General, currently Ms. Cristina Duarte, appointed in July 2020 by Secretary-General António Guterres. Ms. Duarte brings over 34 years of leadership experience in public policy, finance, and international development, with extensive expertise in African economic and institutional reform. She previously served as Cabo Verde’s Minister of Finance and Planning (2006–2016) and held advisory and leadership roles with major international institutions including the UN, World Bank, IMF, and African Development Bank, as well as senior positions at Citibank. She holds advanced degrees in international management, business administration, and public policy, and is fluent in English, French, Italian, and Portuguese.