The International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK), the professional body for international affairs and diplomacy in the country, is pleased to announce its inaugural annual international conference, slated to take place from October 25th to 27th, 2023 at the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. This three-day event is a collaborative effort between IRSK, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) based in South Africa.
The conference will bring together various stakeholders including key government officials, diplomats, scholars, policymakers, business leaders, media and members of the civil society to dissect the multiple crises and geopolitical divides that are redefining international relations and diplomacy in the COMESA region. It will feature an exciting blend of speeches, roundtable discussions, interviews, workshops, networking events and cultural exchange activities.
This conference is taking place against the backdrop of multiple crises and unprecedented geopolitical changes that have far-reaching implications on future growth and development for the COMESA region and beyond. The outbreak of wars, a global surge in inflation, security fragility and climate shocks have added significant pressure, exacerbated uncertainty and forced geopolitical changes that will redefine the role of state and non-state actors in the region.
Conference participants will get access to insights and expert advice on how state and non-state actors in the COMESA region are responding to the intricate and multifaceted challenges and the opportunities embedded therein.
About IRSK
IRSK is the professional body for international affairs and diplomacy in Kenya. The Society serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas, networking and programmatic initiatives among those involved in the study, teaching and practice of international relations and diplomacy. IRSK works to promote research, deeper understanding and collaboration amongst various stakeholders in the international affairs and foreign policy space.
About COMESA
COMESA was established in 1994 to replace the former Preferential Trade Area (PTA). It is the largest Regional Economic Community with a total of 21 Member States. COMESA’s main focus is to promote economic prosperity through regional integration. Its objective also includes the promotion of peace and security in the region as espoused in Article 3(d) of the COMESA Treaty. The program on peace and security specifically focuses on governance, conflict prevention, conflict management and post-conflict reconstruction.
About ACCORD
ACCORD is a civil society organisation working throughout Africa since 1992, to bring creative African solutions to the challenges posed by conflict on the continent. We impact political developments by bringing conflict resolution, dialogue, and development to the forefront as an alternative to protracted conflict. As part of its strategic objectives, ACCORD aims to generate, document, and share knowledge that positively impacts conflict prevention, management, resolution and transformation.
For media inquiries, please contact
Mr. Dismas Mokua – IRSK
conference@irskenya.or.ke
dmokua@outlook.com
Ms. Muzinge Nampito – COMESA
mnampito@comesa.int
Ms. Paida Mudzimuirema – ACCORD
paidamwoyo@accord.org.za
