The
conference will be held days before the 24th COMESA Heads of State Summit in
Nairobi, strategically positioning it to offer thought leadership, influence
policy and build momentum ahead of the high-level summit
“The
timing of this year’s conference is particularly important ... The
conference will feature a range of targeted sessions, including panels,
workshops, and interactive discussions bringing together voices from formal
diplomatic channels, the private sector, civil society, and academia,” IRSK said
in a statement.
Held
under the theme “Enhancing COMESA’s Strategic Positioning and Resilience in the
Evolving Global Order”, IRSK said the conference will engage pressing questions
of integration, peace, and resilience.
“A special session, 'COMESA at 30,' will reflect on the bloc’s three-decade journey towards regional integration.
The discussions will evaluate progress and challenges in trade liberalisation and economic cooperation.
It will also explore
emerging opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA)
and digital transformation to enhance connectivity and competitiveness,” the
statement added.
Jointly
hosted by the COMESA, IRSK, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) - Kenya Office, the
African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), Institute
for Security Studies (ISS) and Acacia Dialogue Center, the three-day third
edition of the meeting is expected to bring at 130 delegated from Kenya,
Uganda, South Africa, Australia, Zambia, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe, among others.
The
participants will include a mix of high-level guests, seasoned experts and
emerging voices in international relations and diplomacy, providing various perspectives
and experiences.
“At
the conference, participants will critically interrogate theoretical,
conceptual and methodological approaches as well as instruments adopted to deal
with the issues within the COMESA region and its 30 years of impact. These are
to be embedded in elaborate, innovative and empirical examination in order to
spur both rigorous academic and policy discourse,” the statement added.
The
meeting will also witness the launch of the Women in Diplomacy and
International Affairs initiative.
AWIDA
will be the first of its kind platform in Kenya, seeking to highlight women’s
contributions to international relations, while confronting the structural
barriers that hinder their full participation.
The
development is a product of the first annual IRSK conference, where a panel on
Women in Diplomacy sparked debate and conversation about the status of women
representation in government and international organisations.
IRSK
added that AWIDA’s launch connects Kenya and the COMESA region to a growing
global movement for gender equality in diplomacy, in line with commitments such
as the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
The
resolution affirms that inclusive leadership and participations is a must for sustainable
peace and development.
“AWIDA will open a structured and deliberate efforts to create opportunities for women to develop their skills, gain visibility, and take up leadership roles in diplomacy recognizing that diplomacy is most effective and legitimate when it is inclusive,” IRSK said.
