Global challenges require global solutions. In order to successfully prevent conflict, tackle global threats such as climate change and to achieve common objectives like the Agenda 2030, the world must come together in order to launch concerted efforts. This requires international cooperation and multilateral approaches – in the 21st century more than ever. But in a rapidly evolving context of world politics, with renewed great power rivalries, clashing values and an increasing potential for conflict, critical voices have been warning of a crisis of multilateralism.

From a geopolitical perspective, the African continent has immensely gained importance in the more recent past. This is not just driven by of a rush for resources and markets but also by a need for new partnerships and alliances. African countries will have to play a key role for any future efforts of multilateral cooperation. Considering the current retreat of multilateralism, African countries are challenged to become more proactive in shaping new multilateral formats and approaches.

The conference aims to provide a platform to discuss Africa’s role for the future of multilateralism, with a special focus on the African Union, African voices in multilateral institutions, as well as multilateral efforts for peacebuilding on the African continent.

 

The first panel will focus on Africa’s place and voice in the global order: In how far do African countries commit to shaping and strengthening multilateral institutions? How do African countries assert their influence in global fora? To what extend does/can Africa speak with one voice? What role does the African Union play as the key multilateral player on the continent? What are key African interests in reforming the global order? What role can/should an African-European partnership play in driving multilateral cooperation?

 

The second panel will focus on Africa and the United Nations partnering for conflict prevention and peacebuilding: How do we assess multilateral responses to conflict and security crises on the African continent? What is the future of the African Peace and Security Architecture and how can it be supported through other multilateral tools? What is the role of the UN-AU partnership on conflict prevention and crisis management and what should be its future direction?

 

Programme

 

04:00pm

Welcome Remarks:

Dr. Gerhard Wahlers, Deputy Secretary General and Head of the Division European and International Cooperation, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

 

04:05pm

Opening Remarks:

H.E. Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi

 

04:15pm

Keynote Speech

H.E. Hanna Tetteh, UN Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union

 

04:30pm

Panel 1: Africa’s Place and Voice in the Global Order

H.E. Dr. Adonia Ayebare, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Uganda to the United Nations

H.E. Birgitte Markussen, European Union Special Representative to the African Union

Hildegard Bentele, Member of the European Parliament, European People’s Party (EPP)

Benno Müchler, Director, Country Office Ethiopia and Regional Programme African Union, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

Moderator: Mathias Kamp, Policy Advisor Sub-Saharan Africa, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

 

05:45pm

Break

 

06:00pm

Panel 2: Africa and the United Nations – Partnering for Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

Mathias Licharz, Head of Political Department in the German Mission to the United Nations

H.E. Tom Amolo, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to Germany

Angela Muvumba Sellström, Senior Researcher, Nordic Africa Institute

Andrea Ostheimer, Executive Director, KAS New York Office, and KAS Representative to the United Nations

Moderator: David Schwake, Secretary General, German Africa Foundation

 

07:20pm

Closing Remarks

 

07:30pm

End of the Conference