Kenya – [January 21, 2025]
The Pan-African Council and the University of Nairobi’s (UoN) Department of Diplomacy and International Studies have executed a Collaboration Agreement. This agreement formalizes a shared commitment to identifying and pursuing priority areas of cooperation, thereby strengthening institutional collaboration in the pursuit of common objectives. Specifically, the agreement aims to facilitate enhanced cooperation through joint initiatives encompassing dialogues, conferences, training programs, and research endeavors. The established framework delineates the following areas of cooperative engagement:
I. RESEARCH STUDIES & CONFERENCES
- Interdisciplinary Research: Undertake research and studies on any issues related to Pan African and Diaspora Affairs, Conflict Management, Peace and Security in Africa while observing international research principles and standards. Encourage collaborative research projects that bridge various academic disciplines to address complex Pan-African issues;
- Knowledge Sharing, Policy Advisory and Dissemination: Facilitate the exchange of research findings and best practices through publications, workshops, and online platforms. Generate policy interventions that form the basis for advising government and nongovernmental agencies on Pan Africa and Diaspora Affairs;
- Experiential: Organize joint conferences, symposia, courses, workshops and seminars in relation to Pan Africa and Diaspora Affairs. Organization of academic and scientific activities such as workshops, courses and seminars;
- Data Collection and Analysis: Establish joint data collection initiatives and analytical frameworks to inform evidence-based policies and interventions.; and
- Collaborate on any other areas of cooperation in the field of Pan Africa and Diaspora Affairs to be mutually agreed upon.
LEADERSHIP CAPACITY BUILDING & OUTREACH
- Global Engagement: The University of Nairobi, Institute of Diplomacy and International studies through its Pan African and Diaspora Centre, shall serve as the liaison office for the Pan-African Council in Kenya. In this capacity, the Centre shall serve as a point of contact for the Council’s outreach, coordination, and implementation of Pan-African initiatives within Kenya. Simultaneously, the Council’s global network of offices and representatives will support the Centre’s global representation and influence by helping it foster partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders;
- Co-Creation & Fundraising: Organize joint fundraising through proposal writing to achieve the objectives of the Agreement and the co-creation of innovation solutions together to solve problems/exploit opportunities identified;
- Exchange Programs: Facilitate and endeavour to create educational and cultural exchange programs to promote intercultural understanding and appreciation; and,
- Promotion of other academic activities which enhance the mentioned goals herein
LEADERSHIP, STUDENT, AND STAFF CAPACITY BUILDING
- Leadership Development: Build the capacity of trainers of trainers to effect wider outreach at the grassroots level on peaceful coexistence and resilience against conflict. Organize leadership training programs for young African leaders to equip them with the skills and knowledge to drive positive change in Africa and regions of the Diaspora;
- Mentorship and Coaching: endeavour to establish mentorship and coaching opportunities to support the professional development of students, faculty, and staff;
- Capacity building for students through internships, attachments, and scholarships;
- Capacity building for research and technology development and through technical and executive courses;
- Curriculums development to support training on Pan African and Diaspora studies; and,
- Conduct Training Needs Assessment of various sections of the society that need capacity enhancement.
About the University of Nairobi Department of Diplomacy and International Studies
The Departments aim is to be a leading regional and international Centre of scholarly excellence in Diplomacy and International Studies; and, to advance the pursuit of knowledge through relevant and quality research, publications, teaching, training and consultancy in various areas of International Studies, Diplomacy, International Conflict Management and Strategic Studies.
