LECIAD Seminar Explores Africa’s Role in Shaping the Evolving Global Order

The Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD) recently hosted a high-level seminar on the theme, “The Evolving Global Reset: Leveraging African Agency through Pragmatic Options," which was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, academics, civil society, students among others. 

Opening the event, Acting Director of LECIAD, Prof. Peter Quartey underscored Africa's potential in global affairs, leveraging its resources, demographic dynamism and strategic weight to shape the evolving global order. He encouraged collaboration, questioning assumptions and co-creating solutions that reflect Africa's realities. The goal, he noted, is to translate Africa's agency into pragmatic influence through useful priorities, values and intellectual capital.

Delivering the Keynote Address, Mr. El Ghassim Wane, former Assistant Secretary-General for Africa at the United Nations, highlighted Africa's peace and security progress since the 1990s. He discussed navigating global uncertainty, drawing lessons from the OAU's history on leadership and bridging the gap between ambition and reality. Emphasising Africa's agency, Mr. Wane noted that the continent's future is shaped in classrooms, research and ideas, urging Africans to take charge of their destiny.

In a similar view, Ambassador Eric Owusu-Boateng, the Director of the European Bureau and representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that Ghana's foreign policy prioritises African solidarity, regional institutions, economic diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation. ‘‘With principled leadership, Africa can shape its future, build a confident and connected continent, and advance its interests with unity and fairness’’ he added.

The seminar was moderated by Mr. Godfred Akoto-Boafo, a Communications Consultant.