Clevenard to Honour Ms. Penny Mkhize at the 2026 Clevenard Open Project 5th Edition & Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition in Alicante, Spain

Minister of International Cooperation (SOAD) to Receive Prestigious Global Recognition and Deliver Keynote Address on Day 3

Alicante, Spain — Clevenard SL is proud to announce that Ms. Penny Mkhize, Minister of International Cooperation of the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD), will be honoured with a Prestigious Honorary Award at the Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition, taking place from 27–30 August 2026 at the Palacio de Congresos, Alicante, Spain.

The honorary recognition will be formally presented on Day 4 – Sunday, 30 August 2026, during the Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition 2026, the flagship awards ceremony of the international forum. The prestigious evening, held alongside the International Fashion Runway, celebrates exceptional global leaders whose influence transcends borders, institutions, and generations, recognizing individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on global development, unity, and cooperation.

In addition to receiving this distinguished international honour, Ms. Penny Mkhize will also deliver a keynote address on Day 3 – Saturday, 29 August 2026, during the Global Tourism & International Film Celebration, sharing her insights on international cooperation, development diplomacy, and Africa–diaspora partnerships.

Keynote Speaker – Day 3 (Saturday, 29 August 2026)

Keynote Theme:

“Strengthening Africa–Diaspora Cooperation: Building Sustainable Global Partnerships for Inclusive Development and Cultural Unity.”

During her keynote address, Ms. Mkhize will explore the critical role of international cooperation in advancing sustainable development, cultural diplomacy, and economic partnership between Africa and its global diaspora. She will highlight the importance of structured collaboration between governments, institutions, and communities in creating long-term solutions for shared prosperity.

Ms. Penny Mkhize

Minister of International Cooperation – State of the African Diaspora (SOAD)

Diplomacy | International Development | Pan-African Cooperation | Institutional Strategy

Ms. Penny Mkhize is a distinguished South African international cooperation and development leader serving as the Minister of International Cooperation for the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD). In this senior executive role, she plays a central part in shaping the organisation’s global diplomatic architecture, strengthening Africa–diaspora relations, and advancing strategic partnerships that promote sustainable development, institutional collaboration, and international unity.

Recognised for her strong leadership in diplomacy and development coordination, Ms. Mkhize stands as a key figure within SOAD’s governance structure, contributing to the expansion of its international influence and its mission to connect African nations with their global diaspora through structured cooperation frameworks.

Leadership in International Cooperation

As Minister of International Cooperation, Ms. Mkhize is responsible for driving SOAD’s external relations agenda. Her work focuses on building bridges between governments, institutions, development agencies, and diaspora organisations across continents.

Her portfolio includes:

• Developing and implementing international cooperation strategies
• Coordinating diplomatic relations with global partners
• Structuring bilateral and multilateral collaboration frameworks
• Supporting development-oriented agreements and partnerships
• Strengthening Africa–diaspora institutional engagement
• Representing SOAD in international diplomatic forums

Through these responsibilities, she plays a critical role in positioning SOAD as a Pan-African cooperation platform focused on practical, results-driven international engagement.

Policy Development and Institutional Contribution

Ms. Mkhize has contributed significantly to the development of SOAD’s international cooperation framework, including involvement in the formulation and presentation of key legislative instruments that define the organisation’s diplomatic and partnership structures.

Her work has supported the establishment of formal systems for:

• International cooperation governance
• Structured diplomatic engagement
• Development partnership coordination
• Institutional collaboration standards

This contribution reflects her capacity not only as a representative but also as a policy architect within the SOAD system.

Diplomatic Engagement and Representation

Ms. Mkhize is actively engaged in SOAD’s international diplomatic activities, representing the institution in engagements focused on African development, diaspora unity, and global cooperation.

She has participated in high-level dialogues and events addressing:

• Africa–diaspora collaboration and unity
• Sustainable development and international cooperation
• Humanitarian and socio-economic development initiatives
• Institutional partnership building across regions

Her presence in these spaces reflects her growing role as a trusted voice in Pan-African diplomatic engagement.

Advocacy for Development and Global Cooperation

A strong advocate for inclusive development, Ms. Mkhize’s work is guided by the belief that sustainable progress depends on structured cooperation between Africa and its global diaspora.

Her areas of focus include:

• International development partnerships
• Economic cooperation frameworks
• Infrastructure and innovation collaboration
• Knowledge exchange and capacity building
• Diaspora-driven development initiatives

She continues to support initiatives that promote shared prosperity, institutional strengthening, and long-term development impact across African and diaspora communities.

Leadership Within SOAD

Within the governance structure of the State of the African Diaspora, Ms. Mkhize serves under the leadership of the Prime Minister, contributing to the executive cabinet responsible for shaping SOAD’s international direction.

Her ministry forms a core pillar of SOAD’s diplomatic and external relations system, ensuring that the organisation’s global engagement is structured, strategic, and aligned with its Pan-African mission.

Professional Identity

• Ms. Penny Mkhize is widely recognised as:
• A diplomacy and international cooperation leader
• A Pan-African institutional development contributor
• A strategic coordinator of global partnerships
• A representative of Africa–diaspora unity initiatives

Her professional work reflects a commitment to strengthening international cooperation frameworks that support development, unity, and long-term institutional collaboration.

A Well-Deserved Global Recognition

Commenting on the announcement, the President and Founder of Clevenard stated:

“Ms. Penny Mkhize represents a new generation of Pan-African diplomatic leadership, committed to building bridges of cooperation, understanding, and shared prosperity between Africa and its global diaspora. Her dedication to international development and structured cooperation makes her a deserving recipient of this global honour.”

About the Clevenard Open Project 2026

The Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition is a four-day international forum themed:

“A Global Celebration of Business, Culture, Creativity & Human Connection.”

The event brings together global leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, entrepreneurs, academics, creatives, and cultural ambassadors from Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean to foster dialogue, partnerships, and sustainable development.

Event Programme

• Day 1 – 27 August 2026: Global Authors’ Recognition & Education Summit
• Day 2 – 28 August 2026: Global Economy, Trade, Solid Minerals, Agriculture & Investment Summit
• Day 3 – 29 August 2026: Global Tourism & International Film Celebration
• Day 4 – 30 August 2026: Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition & International Fashion Runway

Event Details

• Dates: 27–30 August 2026
• Venue: Palacio de Congresos Alicante, Avinguda de Dénia 47–49, 03013 Alicante, Spain
• Organiser: Clevenard SL

Contact & Media Enquiries:

+34 631 279 811 | +34 672 93 12 16

www.clevenard.com

About Clevenard

Clevenard is a global platform dedicated to connecting people, cultures, businesses, and opportunities worldwide. Through media, technology, events, and strategic partnerships, Clevenard amplifies voices, builds bridges, and drives cultural and economic development across continents.

Mission: To connect the world, amplify voices, and create opportunities that transform lives.

Category:

Press release 

Oganisation:

Clevenard

Writer:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34 672 93 12 16