The 3rd Edition of the IRSK Annual Conference was convened from 1–3 October 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, providing a timely and interdisciplinary platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic foresight. Jointly hosted by COMESA, the International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK), Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) – Kenya Office, ACCORD, and the Acacia Dialogue Centre (ADC), this year’s conference explored the theme: “Enhancing COMESA’s Strategic Positioning and Resilience in the Evolving Global Order.”
Bringing together diplomats, policymakers, government officials, scholars, business leaders, civil society, and media practitioners from across the COMESA region and beyond, the conference served as a space to reflect on the region’s 30-year journey while reimagining its role within an increasingly multipolar world.
Through an engaging blend of keynote addresses, panel discussions, research presentations, book launches, and workshops, the conference event encouraged collaboration and knowledge sharing, strengthening the region’s collective capacity to navigate complex global realities with confidence and cohesion. The conference also featured a diverse mix of established experts and emerging voices, fostering intergenerational dialogue and intellectual exchange.
In his keynote address, Dr Vasu Gounden, ACCORD’s Founder and Executive Director, called for partnerships on Africa’s terms, emphasising the need for investment that builds capacity, transfers technology, and respects Africa’s standards and aspirations.
ACCORD’s active participation extended beyond the keynote. Dr Andrea Prah, ACCORD’s Senior Researcher, moderated a high-level panel on “Regional Economic Communities as Peace Builders: COMESA, CEN-SAD and EAC in Focus.” Another key session, “Getting Your Research Published: From Writing to Dissemination,” was moderated by Paidamwoyo Mudzimuirema, ACCORD’s Media and Communications Officer. The workshop brought together editors and publishers who shared valuable insights into navigating the academic publishing process, fitting seamlessly with the conference’s mission to bridge research, policy, and practice.
The conference concluded with the 2025 Kenya Diplomatic Awards, which honoured exceptional individuals and institutions across six categories, this year placing a strong spotlight on women’s leadership in international affairs. Among the distinguished awardees were Justice (Rtd.) Effie Owuor, H.E. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Dr Sally Kosgei, and Ambassador Henriette Geiger.
Dr Vasu Gounden received the Contribution to African Diplomacy Award, recognising his outstanding commitment to advancing diplomacy and conflict resolution across the continent. The awards ceremony was preceded by the launch of the African Women in Diplomacy and International Affairs (AWIDIA) Initiative, a milestone effort to celebrate women’s contributions to international relations while addressing the systemic barriers limiting their participation.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Gounden reaffirmed the importance of collaborative regional leadership in shaping Africa’s future within the global order, underscoring that resilience, inclusivity, and innovation remain central to COMESA’s continued success.
