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'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The African School of Diplomacy and International Relations (ASDIR) has unveiled a landmark initiative set to revolutionize educational experiences in diplomacy and international relations.
During a press briefing today, Professor Tunji John Asaolu, Vice Chairman and CEO of ASDIR, provided details of the upcoming African Peer-to-Peer Education Conference and Tour, scheduled to take place from July 28 to 31, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda.
The conference, themed "Promoting the Spirit of Pan-Africanism through Education, Experiences, and Interactions," is organized in collaboration with Rwanda Cooperation and Queen's University, Belfast. This initiative aims to foster mutual understanding, cooperation, and knowledge exchange, emphasizing the vital role of diplomacy in uniting diverse communities and advancing sustainable development across Africa.
The conference aligns with the African Union's 2024 theme, "Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century," underscoring the transformative power of education in driving sustainable progress. The event follows the UN Secretary-General's 2022 global Summit on Transforming Education, highlighting the urgency of empowering African nations through education and skill development.
Professor Asaolu outlined three primary objectives for the tour: facilitating knowledge exchange through dynamic discussions on diplomatic practices, offering insights into Rwanda's post-conflict reconciliation journey, and fostering collaboration and networking among participants to drive impactful change in diplomacy and international relations.
Participants will engage in a series of enriching activities, including:
Sunday, July 28: Arrival in Kigali, marking the start of an educational journey focused on collaboration and mutual learning.
Monday, July 29: Conference proceedings and Honourary Doctorate Degree Award Ceremony, interactive workshops, panel discussions, cultural excursions, and visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Rwanda’s Unity and Reconciliation initiatives.
Tuesday, July 30: Exploration of Rwanda's access to justice services, community justice models, and foreign policy strategies.
Wednesday, July 31: Visits to Mbyo Reconciliation Village and Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre, emphasizing Rwanda’s reconciliation efforts and mental health support for sustainable peacebuilding.
Thursday, August 1: Departure from Rwanda, carrying the collective wisdom and inspiration gained from the tour.
ASDIR, founded in 2018, is dedicated to academic excellence with a Pan-African orientation. The institution has trained over 1,000 students and partnered with esteemed institutions worldwide, including European Business University, Luxembourg, and Queen's University, Belfast. ASDIR aims to enhance Africa's position in multilateral diplomacy and redefine its negotiation power on the global stage.
Professor Asaolu concluded by inviting all stakeholders, policymakers, educators, and advocates to join this transformative journey, embracing the spirit of Pan-Africanism and striving for a brighter future for Africa.
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