Kampala Geopolitics Conference rallies for African voices on global issues
The Ambassador of France to Uganda His Excellency Xavier Sticker said the conference offers an interactive platform for dialogue and free exchange on contemporary, regional, and international affairs to bring African dimensions to these debates.
Ambassador of France to Uganda His Excellency Xavier Sticker said they want every citizen’s voice to be heard on critical issues that will shape the future. (Photos by Simon Okitela)
Simon Okitela
Journalist @New Vision
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Conveners of the 8th edition Kampala Geopolitics Conference (KGC) happening at Makerere University have unanimously agreed that stronger African voices need to be heard on critical issues shaping global discussions.
These observations were highlighted by Dr. Hellen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the principal of the College of Humanities and Social Science who represented Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the opening of the conference.
The conference running under the theme: "The African Dimension in International Debates” is organized in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), the Embassy of France in Uganda, Makerere University, and Alliance Française Kampala.
“These conversations that we have started today should not just end in this auditorium, we need to project them further. With the youth, scholars and experts here, we should generate recommendations that have influence across crucial globe issues and debates,” Dr. Nambalirwa added.
She explained the resilience of Makerere University in the face of digital misinformation, highlighting the need for regulation in the Artificial Intelligence era we find ourselves in.
She added that the government must be deliberating in enforcing guidelines that should enable the swiftly usage of technology.
Cultural performances at the ongoing Kampala Geopolitics Conference.
In his remarks, the Ambassador of France to Uganda His Excellency Xavier Sticker said the conference offers an interactive platform for dialogue and free exchange on contemporary, regional, and international affairs to bring African dimensions to these debates.
“Across the globe, there is so much going on but we need to bring the conversation back to our continent. We want every citizen’s voice to be heard on critical issues that will shape the future. We need to discuss Africa, the opportunities that come with Artificial Intelligence, challenges and how to maintain political stability in our countries,” HE Xavier Sticker stated.
Nils Wormer, the Director of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa said the annual event aims to provide a platform for meaningful discussions on geopolitical trends and challenges, with a strong focus on Africa’s role in global affairs.
“70% of UNSC resolutions pertain to Africa, the continent remains without permanent representation. We expect the panellist to discuss the feasibility of Africa gaining a permanent seat and veto power, a topic that has gained increasing momentum in recent years, with support from several African nations.”
Another key discussion was the focus on the future of peacekeeping in Africa in the wake of numerous conflicts, yet the continent hosts the highest number of peacekeeping missions globally.
The Kampala Geopolitics Conference (KGC) is a two-day academic event discussing current geopolitical questions and trends inspired by the flagship event of the “Geopolitics of Nantes” in France.
This year’s event comprises a variety of topics relating to international relations, regional security, peacekeeping and building peacebuilding.
Cultural activities including visual art, dance and music performances on peace, security, gender and cultural identity, will also punctuate the event.