The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) convened the South African Youth Capacity Building Virtual Training on conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation from 22-26 November 2021. On 23 November 2021, the Executive Director, Dr Vasu Gounden facilitated a training session on Conflict in Africa. He began the training with an introduction to the political environment on the Continent. His presentation also focused on the causes and implications of the unrest that took place in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, South Africa, in July 2021. Against this backdrop, the training induced insightful discussions and engagements with the youth leaders on how young people can play a greater role in peacebuilding. In his closing remarks Dr Gounden urged all the youth to remain innovative in order to deal with the challenges Africa is facing.
ACCORD has been providing training to the South African Foreign Service since 1995. In August 2021, the Executive Director made a similar presentation at a training that DIRCO held for women leaders in South Africa. ACCORD Senior Political Advisor, H.E. Ambassador Welile Nhlapo, was also a resource person at both trainings focusing on the importance of value based leadership.
