ACCORD was honoured to collaborate with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) on a Public Lecture, hosted by HE Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers. The theme of the event was “Strengthening the African Agenda through AU, BRICS and FOCAC”.
The unique discussion looked at elements of South Africa’s foreign policy, its objectives and implementation. Given ACCORD’s 23 years of work on conflict management and resolution, our ongoing work with the across the continent, and the recognition by the United Nations of our comprehensive peace model, we were particularly pleased that the event will occur on the International Day of Peace, 21 September. Since 1982 the United Nations (UN) has invited all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during this day, and to strengthen the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. An explicit desire of South Africa’s foreign policy is for a for a just, humane and equitable world order of greater security, peace, dialogue and economic justice.
The theme too was timely given the hosting by South Africa of the 25th AU Summit in June 2015; the recent 7th BRICS Summit and launch of the ‘BRICS Bank’, both of which occurred in July 2015; and the upcoming hosting by South Africa of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in December this year. ACCORD’s Executive Director, Vasu Gounden, delivered the Welcome Address, followed by the Keynote Address by the Deputy Minister and a Question and Answer session. The venue was the Howard College Theatre, Howard College campus, UKZN. A copy of the speech may be accessed here.
For further information on this event please contact Wolfe Braude, Communications Manager on wolfe@accord.org.za.
