The Training for Peace (TfP) Programme, in partnership with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ethiopia and the African Union Commission (AUC), convened a High-Level Public Seminar on 21 November 2025 in Addis Ababa, under the theme “Charting Africa’s Agency in Uncertainty and Transforming Global Order.” The seminar forms part of activities commemorating the 30th anniversary of the TfP Programme and marking the launch of its seventh phase of implementation.
The seminar provided a strategic platform to examine Africa’s positioning in an increasingly multipolar and complex global system. Against the backdrop of shifting alliances, climate shocks, technological change and contested global governance frameworks, discussions underscored the need for Africa to shape, not merely respond to global transformations. The event brought together senior AUC officials, representatives of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs), diplomats, civil society organisations, academics, media practitioners and strategic partners. Key deliberations explored how Africa can leverage its values of shared responsibility, solidarity and innovation to strengthen agency and influence amidst the global reset.
Through a keynote conversation moderated by ACCORD’s Founder and Executive Director, Dr Vasu Gounden, a high-level panel reflected on the geopolitical, economic and technological shifts transforming the global order. The panel included H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner of the AUC’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department; H.E. Mr Parfait Onanga, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to the AU and Head of the United Nations Office to the AU; and H.E. Ambassador Stian Christensen, Ambassador of Norway to Ethiopia and Djibouti and Permanent Representative to the AU, Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa; and Mr El-Ghassim Wane, former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). They examined the implications of these shifts for peace, security and governance on the continent. Discussions emphasised the importance of adaptive institutional frameworks within the AU and its Member States, and identified opportunities for strategic partnerships and enhanced multilateral engagement.
As the TfP Programme enters a new phase, ACCORD remains committed to deepening its strategic support to the AU in navigating an increasingly complex world and shaping Africa’s role within the emerging global landscape.
