Mandela granddaughter to address Edinburgh 'culture summit'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-27587531

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Nelson Mandela's granddaughter Nandi Mandela is to address a culture summit at Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament has announced.

Ms Mandela is scheduled to take part in a public session on the ways in which culture and the arts can foster international understanding.

The address will be part of a three-day event from 10 to 12 August.

The "culture summit" will take place at the same time as the Edinburgh International Festival.

The first culture summit took part in 2012 and attracted contributors from 33 countries.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to apply for tickets to four plenary sessions, which will take place in the main debating chamber.

Tricia Marwick, Presiding Officer of the Parliament, said: "We are delighted to offer members of the public this rare opportunity to hear from eminent speakers, including Nandi Mandela, as they explore the power of culture on nations."

Ms Mandela is a businesswoman and the daughter of the late South African president's eldest son, Thembi.

Other speakers announced include Australian musician Robyn Archer and Irina Bokova, director of the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (Unesco).

Jonathan Mills, Director of the Edinburgh International Festival said: "To provoke conversation and debate we will bring together experts in their fields of arts, academia, philanthropy and international relations who will act as a catalyst for deep and invigorating discussions, and I particularly look forward to welcoming Nandi Mandela, Irina Bokova, and Robyn Archer in this role."

The Edinburgh International Festival is the world's largest arts festival and takes place every August.