The initiative marks the European University Institute's (EUI) third consecutive outreach event in Africa, following successful editions in Uganda and Ghana. Taking place on 12 and 13 November 2024 in Pretoria, it will extend the Institute's engagement to Southern Africa.
The collaboration with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) builds on the unique expertise of both institutions in geopolitics from a European and African perspective. The aim is to create a forum to debate key issues relating to Africa’s strategic position and its engagement with the global community.
On 12 November 2024, a roundtable discussion will gather senior policymakers from Southern African countries. In a hybrid setting, diplomats, civil society members, academics, African Union (AU) officials, and representatives from European Union (EU) delegations will exchange on Africa's interests in a shifting world.
The in-person executive training course set for 13 November 2024, will focus on enhancing the skills of young leaders in foresight and scenario-building to prepare Africa’s new generations to shape the continent’s geopolitical future. Interested candidates are invited to submit their application by 6 September 2024.
"We are delighted to have a leading think tank like ISS as our partner," emphasises EUI Adjunct Professor Mehari Taddele Maru. "The cooperation with ISS will further deepen the EUI's engagement in Africa. Africa's geopolitical agency will be at the heart of the event as it engages with great and middle powers, including the changing partnership with the EU."
Dr Jakkie Cilliers said that “Collaboration with EUI is an important opportunity for the ISS, particularly given the focus on building the capacity of young Africans, our future.” Cilliers is the chairperson of the ISS Board of Trustees and a former executive director of the Institute.
The event and training are organised as part of the Young African Leaders Programme (YALP) of the EUI's Florence School of Transnational Governance, which welcomed its third cohort of fellows in September 2023. As the initiative aims to foster the skills development of young African leaders and emerging researchers, selected YALP alumni from the region will have the opportunity to take part in the training, marking the continuation of their engagement with the EUI.
In this light, the initiative promises impactful exchanges on how Africa can embrace multilateralism to gain influence and contribute to a global order that benefits the continent.