On 20 – 22 May 2026 ACCORD participated in the South Africa – Switzerland Special Envoys Retreat, held in Pretoria, South Africa. The Retreat, which was jointly organised by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of the Republic of South Africa and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, brought together high-level Special Envoys, mediators and Senior Officials for an exchange on current challenges and strategic solutions in peacemaking on the African continent.
The Retreat aimed to facilitate peer learning on mediation, deepen understanding of the mediation landscape internationally and in Africa, and identify lessons on the roles, mandates and support systems of Special Envoys. It further sought to explore best practice in conflict analysis and peace process design, strengthen networks among participants, deepen the South Africa – Switzerland partnership on mediation, and contribute to the professionalisation of mediation support through DIRCO’s Mediation Support Unit.
On 20 May 2026 Dr Vasu Gounden, Founder and Executive Director of ACCORD, made a presentation titled The African Mediation Landscape: From peace through dialogue to strategic mediation in an age of fragmentation, drawing on ACCORD’s extensive experience in conflict resolution and peacebuilding across the continent. Also in attendance was ACCORD’s General Manager: Programme, Ms. Karishma Rajoo, who participated in the full three – day retreat.
