On 05 December 2023 ACCORD’s Founder and Executive Director, Dr Vasu Gounden, presented a virtual lecture entitled “Africa at the Crossroads of History: A Dystopian or Prosperous Future?” The presentation was hosted by the Seoul National University Asia Center (SNU), as part of the Africa Seminar Series.
Dr Gounden’s presentation delved into the challenges and opportunities that Africa faces in its quest for economic development. He emphasised the significance of the Republic of Korea’s rapid development as a model and explored ways in which Africa can navigate its complex journey.
In his presentation, Dr Gounden highlighted the demographic, economic, political, environmental, and security challenges that currently confront the African continent. He stressed the urgency of addressing these issues to avoid a dystopian future, advocating for a transformative approach inspired by the Republic of Korea’s success story.
One key aspect Dr Gounden explored was the potential for collaboration between African nations and global partners. He highlighted the Republic of Korea’s achievements in various sectors, from technology and innovation to economic growth and regional influence. He underscored the importance of drawing lessons from the Republic of Korea’s industrialisation and economic diversification, especially as Africa grapples with issues of urbanisation, industrialisation, and job creation, all of which play pivotal roles in mitigating potential conflicts.
The presentation was followed by an engaging Question and Answer Session and concluded with a call for stronger collaboration, sharing of knowledge, and strategic partnerships between the Republic of Korea and African nations.
