By Ayub Kiranda
Since 2018, Makerere University has served as the host for the annual Kampala Geopolitics Conference (KGC), a collaborative effort with partners such as the Embassy of France to Uganda, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), UN Women, Alliance Française Kampala, and the Institut de Relations Internationales et Stratégiques (IRIS). The Kampala Geopolitics Conference has evolved into a high-level event, transcending geographical boundaries to delve into contemporary geopolitical questions and trends. The conference stands as a beacon, offering an interactive platform for dialogue and free exchange on global issues, effectively shifting the locus of international discussions to an African stage.
The sixth edition of the KGC, held on the 17th and 18th of October, 2023, at Makerere University's Yusuf Lule Auditorium, had a comprehensive agenda featuring eight-panel discussions. The 2023 conference edition explored various topics, ranging from global challenges such as security, population dynamics, and concerns to current African political developments, regional trends, and the intricate intersections of culture and society.
Heads of the partner organisations behind the 6th edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference 2023
The KGC seeks to provide a platform for solid networks of expertise by mobilising global researchers, mainly from European countries and East African counterparts. The conference engages a diverse audience, strategically targeting students, academia, civil society representatives, media professionals, political actors, technocrats, and the diplomatic community. The inclusive nature of the conference in participation and on areas of focus ensures that cultural activities are seamlessly integrated, promoting African cultural vibrancy on an international stage and enhancing the overall experience. Notably, the conference doors are wide open to members of the general public, fostering a sense of community engagement awareness and strengthening the university's connection with the broader community.
One of the distinguishing features of the KGC is its unique role in providing a platform for African researchers and policy framers to lead conversations on global issues from a distinctly African perspective. By doing so, the conference has positioned Makerere University as a central hub for shaping not only national but also regional and global debates. This function aligns with the university's historical role in influencing Uganda's social, political, and economic discourse.
Africa in the spotlight
The changing dynamics of Africa's political and economic landscapes have particularly necessitated the pronouncement of the African perspective on global issues. The continent has witnessed significant economic growth fueled by international interest in its abundant natural resources, such as oil and metals. Moreover, geopolitical and geo-economic shifts, coupled with framing Africa as a growing market, have thrust the continent into the spotlight of global affairs. The emergence of new global powers like China, India, and Brazil, now competing with the traditional powers like the United States, Britain, and France for African resources, markets, trade opportunities, and political influence, demands a conversation on and advancement of interests.
Amid these transformative shifts, the KGC emerges as a critical player in shaping the narrative of Africa's role in the global economy. The conference provides an essential platform where research informs policy actions, contributing to promoting African agencies in the new international development landscape. With a focus on participatory and documented debates, the KGC empowers experts, political actors, and policy framers from Uganda and across Africa to collectively explore and strategise responses to the challenges and opportunities presented by these global shifts.
In conclusion, the Kampala Geopolitics Conference has established itself as a pivotal annual event, fostering African perspectives in global discourse. By facilitating informed discussions, encouraging diverse participation, and bridging the gap between research and policy, the KGPC plays a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of Africa's engagement with the rest of the world. Makerere University's commitment to hosting this conference underscores its dedication to advancing intellectual dialogue that transcends borders, ultimately contributing to a more interconnected and mutually informed global community.
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