Academic Conference on Africa 2024

Theme: Power, Justice, and the People: Human Rights and the Rule of Law for Africa’s Transformation 

When: 3 to 5 December 2024

Where: Hybrid — Conference Room 2, UN Headquarters, New York and Online

Website: www.un.org/osaa/academic-conference-2024

Register: To participate online click here or on the image below. 

 

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Concept Note: English

Programme: English

Promotional Flyer: English

 

CALL FOR PAPERS

As a follow up to the 2024 Academic Conference on Africa we invite submissions of original research, case studies, and policy analyses that explore Africa's journey toward more inclusive and effective justice systems. Papers should offer innovative insights, culturally relevant perspectives, and actionable recommendations to address the unique intersections of governance, justice, economic equity, and human rights within African contexts. Papers can be submitted in English, French or Portuguese.

We welcome multidisciplinary papers that integrate historical, economic, legal, and sociopolitical analyses. Selected authors will be invited to present their research and findings at a presentation event aimed at fostering dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration in addressing Africa’s development challenges and transformative opportunities.

Call for Papers: English

Submit abstract: Click here to submit your abstract. 

Submission deadline: 22 December 2024

 

 

The UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) is convening the 2024 Academic Conference on Africa under the theme: "Power, Justice, and the People: Human Rights and the Rule of Law for Africa’s Transformation." 

This second edition of the conference aims to elevate African scholars and policymakers to the forefront of discussions, fostering collaboration and generating African-led solutions to critical issues surrounding the rule of law and human rights on the continent.

The 2024 iteration of the conference will address critical themes, particularly:

 

  • Historical Contexts and Contemporary Challenges: The Evolution of Rule of Law in Africa

This session will delve into the evolution of the rule of law in Africa, exploring how historical contexts, cultural dynamics, and socio-political developments have shaped the continent’s legal systems. Through a nuanced examination of these issues, the session seeks to uncover innovative solutions and strategies for advancing the rule of law in Africa’s diverse and evolving context.

  • Rights and Realities: Integrating Diverse Dimensions of Human Rights in Africa

This session will explore a holistic approach to human rights in Africa by examining the interplay and balance between political, socioeconomic, and cultural rights. Discussions will delve into how these diverse dimensions interact and influence each other, shaping the lived experiences of individuals and communities across the continent. 

  • From Theory to Action: Leveraging African Scholarship in Policy Development 

This session will explore how African academics and policymakers can better collaborate to integrate the continent’s rich academic knowledge into impactful policymaking. Through candid dialogue, this session will identify barriers to effective collaboration and discuss innovative strategies for building meaningful connections that can shape national, regional, and global policy.  

 

About the Academic Conference on Africa

In an effort to strengthen African representation in global development scholarship and ensure that African voices are heard in the debates that help to shape the continent’s future, OSAA launched the annual Academic Conference on Africa in 2023. The conference aims to provide a platform for African scholarship that addresses the wide-ranging scope of Africa’s development, with particular emphasis on the nexus of development, peace and security, humanitarian work and human rights.

The academic conference brings together African scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from different sectors and disciplines to engage in high-level interactive dialogue on the most pressing issues facing African communities.