About 140 participants from diverse sectors, including academia, think tanks, civil society organizations and university students met from November 20-22, 2024 in Kenya to discuss integration and cooperation through international relations in the COMESA region.
The conference was jointly organised by COMESA, the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) and the Institute for Research and Social Knowledge (IRSK).
Speaking during the opening session, the East African Community (EAC) Cabinet Secretary, Ms Beatrice Moe emphasized the region’s commitment to integration and the ongoing efforts to eliminate barriers to trade and investment.
“The commitment to integration by each one of our blocs will contribute a great deal to the integration of the COMESA region and the entire continent with the ultimate purpose of connecting all our communities,” she stated.
Mr Leonard Wanyama, Chief Executive Officer of IRSK, also underscored the importance of constructive discourse in shaping Kenya’s foreign policy. “IRSK seeks to be an anchor that offers constructive debate and impactful critique in line with the country’s democratic practice,” he remarked.
Over the three days, the conference bridged the gap between theory and practice in international relations and diplomacy. More than 50 presentations tackled a range of critical topics, including regional stability and security challenges, sustainable development and trade, investment opportunities, youth agency in democracy and gender inclusion.
Notable discussions focused on navigating regional stability in Eastern and Southern Africa, achieving African agency in a shifting global order, and leveraging diplomacy to advance sustainable development.
A major highlight was the launch of academic and policy publications from the 2023 IRSK conference, reaffirming the event’s commitment to continuity and knowledge sharing. Furthermore, the conference celebrated outstanding African figures for their contributions to diplomacy and regional development. They included H.E. Chileshe Kapwepwe, Secretary General of COMESA, who was awarded the Women in Diplomacy award, while H.E. Ambassador Erastus Mwencha, former COMESA Secretary General and African Union Deputy Chairperson, was honored with the Economic Diplomacy award.
The success of the event was amplified by contributions from international partners, including the African Centre for the Study of the United States, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, UNICAF, the Australian High Commission, and the United Asia Network.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Oita Etyang, Head of Governance Peace and Security at COMESA Secretariat, underscored the critical role of youth in shaping the region’s future.
“Dear Youth, you are not a problem to be solved, but a voice to be heard. Therefore, arise and occupy your rightful spaces for a change to be made through your publications,” he declared, inspiring attendees to action.
The insights and discussions from the 2nd IRSK conference will be compiled in a series of publications set for release in 2025. These efforts aim to inform policy, enrich academic dialogue, and foster practical solutions for the challenges facing the COMESA region.