On 04 September 2025, Dr Vasu Gounden, the Founder and Executive Director of ACCORD, was invited to give a virtual presentation to the South African Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Cooperation. This presentation was part of their strategic planning session held from 03 – 05 September 2025.
Dr Gounden was asked to provide a briefing on South Africa’s role in conflict resolution. This marked his third presentation to the Committee in 2025. In March 2025, Dr Gounden contributed to discussions about conflict in the SAHEL Region, evaluating the effectiveness of regional mechanisms and South Africa’s support for African Union initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace. In February 2025, he addressed the Committee on Peace, Stability, and Security, contributing to discussions about South Africa’s foreign policy by highlighting both advancements and challenges.
Over the years, Dr Gounden has made several presentations to the Committee, contributing to the ongoing development of South Africa’s foreign policy approach.