MSC Side Event co-hosted with ISS
Africa's Agency in a Globalized World
Dr. Jakkie Cilliers, Chair, Institute for Security Studies, and Head, African Futures and Innovation
HSF
The MSC Side Event on a topic crucial for the global future discussed Africa's huge potential, its growing international role, and how decision-makers can facilitate inclusive development and stability.
Dr Jakkie Cilliers, Institute for Security Studies (ISS), shared key insights from his African Futures & Innovation Team's research. followed by input from discussants:
* Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili, Chair of the Board, Women Political Leaders; former Federal Minister of Education of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Brussels
* Mr Gilles Yabi, West Africa Citizen Think Thank (WATHI), Dakar
The discussion was facilitated by Ottilia Anna Maunganidze, Head of Special Projects, ISS, MSC High-Level Food Security Task Force member and Munich Young Leader 2017
"We must rethink conventional approaches to security and development. How we shape partnerships between Africa and the countries of the global North will determine our prosperity and security. And it will determine the shape of the future global order."
Dr. Jakkie Cilliers, Head, African Futures and Innovation, Chair, Institute for Security Studies
Hanns Bühler, Head, Hanns Seidel Foundation South Africa
HSF
"I have heard the argument that development-oriented autocratic leaders are better for stability and growth. The problem with this argument is also that most autocratic leaders aren't development-oriented - and even stability appears just temporary then."
Hanns Bühler, HSF South Africa
Dr Gilles Yabi, West African Think Tank WATHI
"We see several serious conflicts on the continent - in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa. They all have a regional dimension."
"The young population represents a risk, but also huge potential for building a development-oriented society."
Dr Gilles Yabi, West African Think Tank WATHI
Markus Ferber, MEP, Chair, Hanns Seidel Foundation
"The ongoing 'restructuring' of USAID and declining development and economic cooperation budgets in many countries around the world also signal that we require a more strategic approach to our activities and, I believe, to our partnerships in general."
Markus Ferber, MEP, Chair, Hanns Seidel Foundation
The African Futures Platform offers data-based long-term scenario studies on the future of African Countries and Regions.
It also contains comprehensive research reports on key topics of African development.
Dr. Jakkie Cilliers' input at the MSC Side Event drew on these studies, with a focus on the recently updated “Africa in the World” report as well.
Find the report here:
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