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ECDPM event

Seminar

African diplomacy in post-conflict reconstruction and development: Tools for protecting fragile peace

Lunchtime seminar with Ambassador Welile Nhlapo
26 April 2017 | 12:30-14:00 (welcome from 12:00 for lunch) | ECDPM office, 5 rue Archimède (1st floor), 1000 Brussels (near Schuman metro station)

ECDPM is privileged to have as its guest speaker Ambassador Welile Nhlapo, senior advisor to the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Dispute (ACCORD) and former South African Ambassador to the (then) Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Ambassador Nhlapo has also served as Director Africa at the UN Department of Political Affairs, South Africa’s Ambassador to Washington, D.C., Head of President Mbeki’s Presidential Support Unit, National Security Special Advisor to President Zuma and the Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region.

It is widely accepted that contemporary conflicts are driven by dispute-related economic development issues, including a distorted competition for access to state power and resources, a disproportionate distribution of wealth and power, bad governance and the lack of people’s participation in policy making. Post-conflict negotiated settlements should address these root causes and protect those most affected by the conflict.

Building on his historical knowledge of the African continent and his detailed knowledge of the working methods of the African Union and the United Nations, Ambassador Nhlapo will share his views on the following questions: What specific mechanisms are necessary to ensure that post-conflict societies do not recede into violence? How can African diplomatic efforts support, and protect, the consolidation of peace, post-conflict reconstruction and development? And what role should the international community play in building Africa’s capacity in conflict prevention, conflict management and post-conflict situations?

Please fill in the google form to register for this event. Registration will be on a first come first served basis as space is limited.

For any further information, please contact Sabine Mertens sm@ecdpm.org.

Photo courtesy of IRIN News via Flickr.