ACCORD hosted a delegation from the School of International Training (SIT) on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. The delegation consisted of 10 Undergraduate students and 2 Graduate Institute MA students, accompanied by Dr Imraan Buccus, the Academic Director of the SIT Programme in South Africa. The aim of the SIT programme is to prepare students as future inter-culturally competent leaders, professionals and citizens. In so doing, the SIT fosters a worldwide network of individuals and organisations committed to responsible global citizenship. SIT fulfils this mission with field-based academic study abroad programmes for undergraduates, accredited master’s degrees, and certificate programmes for graduates and professionals.
ACCORD prides itself on creating spaces for young researchers and political enthusiasts to thrive, as our mission continues to support their educational and creative processes, while remaining open to the wealth of knowledge yet to be gained from young leaders.
Colleagues from the Programmes Unit and the Research Unit presented to the group on the work that ACCORD conducts on the continent. Ms Marisha Ramdeen spoke on Mediation and Conflict Prevention, discussing the crosscutting themes of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS). Ms Katharine Bebington outlined the Research Unit’s activities, including all the publications published by ACCORD and other research areas handled by the Unit. Mr Wandile Langa discussed the Peace Support Operations (PSO) aspects of the Programmes Unit. Ms Mahlet Hagos delivered the presentation on the Local and National Capacities for Peace (LNCP). The presentations included the five Strategic Pillars of ACCORD, which guide and inform the organisation’s interventions across the continent.
Students raised a number of questions and made insightful comments that deepened the conversation. Robust discussions were held between the ACCORD team and the group around ACCORD’s work on the Continent. This all contributed to a very productive session.
The relationship between ACCORD and SIT spans many years and has been a mutually beneficial experience for all concerned. Several SIT students have been afforded internships at ACCORD over the many years of collaboration.
