The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is set to host the second edition of the International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK) Annual Conference in Nairobi from November 20-22, 2024. This high-profile event promises to bring together key stakeholders from the COMESA region and beyond to discuss the crucial role of international relations and diplomacy in fostering regional integration and cooperation.
Building on the Success of the 2023 Conference
The inaugural IRSK Annual Conference, held in 2023, was a significant milestone, drawing participants from various sectors and Comesa member states. The first edition laid a solid foundation for discussions on international relations, highlighting the importance of diplomatic engagement in promoting regional stability and prosperity. It provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to share insights, debate key issues, and explore ways to deepen cooperation in the region.
Now, as the second edition approaches, the 2024 conference is expected to build on the success of the first, elevating the discussions to new heights. With an exciting lineup of activities, including keynote addresses, roundtable discussions, workshops, and networking events, the conference is expected to become a landmark event in the field of international relations within the Comesa region.
Conference Theme: Fostering Integration and Cooperation
The theme for this year’s conference is “Fostering Integration and Cooperation in the COMESA Region through International Relations and Diplomacy.” This theme reflects the core objectives of COMESA, which aims to promote regional integration by enhancing trade, peace, and diplomacy among its member states.
As one of the largest regional economic blocs in Africa, COMESA plays a critical role in facilitating economic integration through its member countries. The conference aims to explore how international relations and diplomacy can be leveraged to strengthen ties within the region, drive development, and resolve conflicts.
Discussions at the conference will focus on how diplomatic strategies can be utilized to address common challenges, such as trade barriers, security concerns, and political instability. The conference will also highlight the importance of multilateral diplomacy in fostering collaboration between governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
Participants and Stakeholders
The conference is expected to attract over 200 participants, including government officials, diplomats, policymakers, scholars, business leaders, media professionals, and civil society representatives from across the COMESA region. This diverse mix of participants will provide a rich pool of expertise, ensuring that the conference discussions are broad and multi-dimensional.
A notable feature of this year’s event will be the inclusion of both seasoned experts and emerging voices in international relations and diplomacy. This combination will ensure that the conference fosters a collaborative exchange of knowledge and perspectives, which will ultimately contribute to the development of actionable strategies for advancing regional integration.
Key Activities and Opportunities for Networking
The conference will offer a variety of activities designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants. These will include insightful keynote addresses from distinguished experts, roundtable discussions, and research presentations on relevant topics. Additionally, workshops and book launches will provide opportunities for deeper engagement on specific aspects of international relations and diplomacy.
Participants will also have ample networking opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, share ideas, and explore potential collaborations. The event will be a vital space for forging new partnerships and strengthening existing ties, thus contributing to the growth of the Comesa region’s diplomatic and international relations landscape.
Registration and Participation
With more than 30 countries expected to participate, the IRSK Annual Conference is shaping up to be a must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of international relations in Africa. Interested participants can register for the conference and purchase tickets online via the official IRSK website.
For further information or inquiries regarding the conference, participants can contact the conference organizers via email at conference@irskenya.or.ke or paidamwoyo@accord.org.za.
As the conference draws near, the anticipation continues to grow, with the event expected to make a lasting impact on the region’s diplomatic landscape. The convergence of experts, policymakers, and emerging voices will undoubtedly contribute to a stronger, more integrated COMESA region, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual prosperity.
