A wave of conferences swept throughout Africa, which brought together thousands of people from all backgrounds to consult about how they can contribute to the material and spiritual progress of their communities. In some places, gatherings focused on specific themes. For example, in the Central African Republic, some 500 women joined a discussion in Bangui to explore the role of women in contributing to social progress. A conference in Chad brought together chiefs and religious leaders to discuss how each person can contribute to the realization of collective peace.