Diary of an IR scholar

Despite South Africa having a vibrant and radical youth, as witnessed during the 1976 Uprising and recently with the #FeesMustFall protests, the involvement of young people in international diplomacy remains frustrating. During a recent youth dialogue, hosted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) under the theme; Enhancing Representation and Leadership of Youth in Foreign Policy Space, a number of young people called for the institutionalization of transcontinental spaces, inclusivity at DIRCO, and to be considered for the country’s foreign relations posts.  The panel discussion had uncovered the lack of youth involvement not only in foreign policy-making, but also on the global programs such the Build Back Better , as countries around the world sought to rebuild post the Covid-19 pandemic.  Acting Chief Operations Officer (COO) at DIRCO, Charlotte Lobe, said the rules and protocol in international diplomacy were sometimes too complex...

HIV/AIDS continues to be one of the concerning global epidemics world leaders are still grappling with. The United Nations (UN) had last week (8-11 June 2021) held a High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS. South Africa, represented by Deputy President (DP) David Mabuza, in his capacity as the DP and Chairperson of the multi-sectoral body, the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), had reiterated to the world the country's support for the 2021 Political Declaration towards ending AIDS.   South Africa affirmed that the protection of human rights of people living with HIV and other key and vulnerable populations, is paramount to enabling access to services and fighting stigma and discrimination. "In order for the world to succeed in ending AIDS by 2030, we need to recognise and protect the rights of all key and vulnerable populations by involving people living with HIV and placing communities at the centre of our response," said Mabuza. South Africa further advance...

Media Statement 07 June 2021 PRESIDENT TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE OF AFRICAN HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, 8 June 2021, address and chair the virtual meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). The President will chair the meeting in his capacity as the Coordinator of this continental structure.    The Committee was established in 2009 by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government to spearhead an African Common Position on Climate Change and ensure that Africa speaks with one voice in global climate change negotiations. The Committee’s deliberations this week form part of preparations for COP26, the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference, which will be held in the United Kingdom in November 2021. The meeting will deliberate on the African Green Stimulus Programme and the current status of the international climate negotiations in light of the COV...