OUR TIMELINE

Inspired by the International Day of Peace decreed by the United Nations, Palms Solutions, the African Diaspora Global Initiative, in collaboration with the African Community Leaders introduced the Philadelphia African Caribbean Cup of Nations for Peace (PACCONP) to the city. The initiative started with four teams under Philly Peace Day in 2012, to then grow to be known in 2013 as the ” Philadelphia African and Caribbean Cup Of Nations for Peace (PACCONP).  PACCONP is more than a  soccer tournament, it is a diplomatic tool used to bring our communities together to address pressing local and international issues. 

Since its inception in 2013, PACONP has become our annual African Sports Diplomacy, commemorating the UN International Day of Peace in the month of September. PACONP has so far brought soccer teams from more than 18 countries across the African continent, and the Caribbeans, representing more than 20,000 immigrants in the city of Philadelphia.  Each tournament is thematically attached to the symbols of Peace, Positive Social Change, Acceptance, and Inclusion. For instance

  • In 2013 the theme was “Two Continents, One Team”
  • In 2014, “One Team Against Ebola”
  • In 2015, “Philadelphia African Health Cup”
  • In 2016, “Unity in Diversity”

Starting with only four teams in 2012, PACCONP is now the umbrella of 16 African countries. PACCONP was the recipient of the Global Ambassador Award from Women campaign international (8/2013), and the Peace Warrior Award from the City of Philadelphia (9/2014). Moreover, PACCONP Summer school program was featured in the Inquirer, as one of the best program in facilitating the immigrant immersion into the educational system of Philadelphia (8/2014). In collaboration with Penn Medicine, PACCONP was able to help mobilize the African immigrants, for their flu shots, and fundraise to help fight against Ebola (1/2015).