On 06 December 2023 the Founder and Executive Director of ACCORD, Dr Vasu Gounden, was invited to be a speaker at the 06th Seoul Dialogue on Africa (SDA). This annual international conference, initiated in 2018, was jointly hosted by the Korea-Africa Foundation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. The conference, which was held in a hybrid format, delved into critical dialogues on peace and security in Africa, emphasising avenues to fortify collaboration between the two regions.
Since its inception, the SDA has aimed to deepen the understanding, partnership and collaborative research between Korea and Africa. It serves as a hub for intellectual exchange and diplomatic engagement. The theme for the 2023 conference was chosen to reflect the current global context and the evolving dynamics between the two regions. It underscores the growing importance of collaborative diplomacy and its pivotal role in fostering peace, prosperity, and partnership.
The 6th SDA featured three integral sessions that substantially contributed to the overarching theme. The first session concentrated on the crucial aspects of Peace & Security in Africa, acknowledging the immediate challenges and the evolving roles of partners. These discussions were fundamental to reinforcing the commitment to sustainable peace and stability. The second session delved into the strategic areas of the Korea-Africa partnership, emphasizing the pursuit of sustainable development and economic growth. A special session titled ‘Dialogue with Youth’ explored key opportunities and challenges in Africa’s growth trajectory. This session was aimed to equip young Koreans with a better understanding of the complexities and potential of collaboration between Korea and Africa, encouraging a broader worldview among youth. Overall these sessions aimed to highlight that for sustainable peace and prosperity to thrive, a multifaceted approach is essential.
Dr Gounden was invited to be a panellist in Session 1 focusing on Harmonizing Horizons: Chartering Peace & Security in Africa. Recent years have witnessed an increase in various challenges within the African continent, raising considerations not only for regional security but also for global powers’ involvement in Africa. Furthermore, there is a mounting call for bolstered involvement of regional organizations, such as the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the realm of Peace & Security. These two elements, ‘peace’ and ‘security’, stand as the cornerstones of human existence, prerequisites for progress, and catalysts for cooperation. The session therefore aimed to shed light on the Political Dynamics in Africa and their potential implications for the future. Moreover, it seeks to identify the roles of various stakeholders in the pursuit of building and fortifying Peace & Security on the African continent.
Dr Gounden presented on the topic of African Political Dynamics: Trends and Prospects, where he highlighted the pivotal role of regional mechanisms, particularly the AU’s Peace and Security Council, in shaping economic communities across the continent. Dr Gounden also acknowledged the challenges Africa faces regarding peace, and security, which include exponential population growth, coupled with rapid urbanisation, which demands a nuanced approach to development. He concluded with calling for more focus on stabilising African states, while concurrently addressing developmental needs on the Continent.
The SDA drew participation from key figures, including representatives from the AU, Korean government officials, and African diplomats, including the Mauritius Foreign Minister, Maneesh Gobin. Speakers emphasised the significance of collaboration between Korea and Africa, shedding light on the untapped resources and opportunities that can drive mutual prosperity. The forthcoming 2024 Korea-Africa summit, scheduled to take place in June 2024, was also identified as a unique opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration.
In September 2023 ACCORD, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business and the Korea-Africa Foundation, hosted a hybrid seminar on the topic of the Republic of Korea’s effort for Just Energy Transition (JET) and its implications for African Countries.
