Al Jazeera Conference Highlights Challenges and Opportunities in Africa
The Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs, has launched a pivotal research conference in Addis Ababa titled "Africa: Challenges of Fragility and Opportunities to Benefit from International Competition." This two-day event gathers experts and researchers to delve into the pressing internal challenges facing African nations, particularly the international competition for its resources.
The conference aims to address a variety of urgent issues such as regional security, debt burdens, terrorism, and environmental threats. Participants will explore effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with these challenges, emphasizing the need for cooperation among various institutions to foster development and innovative solutions.
The Importance of Collaborative Dialogue
During the opening ceremony, Ezzedine Abdel Mawla, Director of the Research Department at the Al Jazeera Center for Studies, highlighted the significance of institutional collaboration in overcoming financial and organizational hurdles. He urged for a unified approach to develop African visions that can effectively tackle the continent's challenges amidst rising international tensions over its resources.
Jafar Badru, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs, underscored the necessity of creating a constructive dialogue space to address the political, economic, and security issues plaguing Africa. He noted that the intensified competition among global powers has ushered in an era of multiple crises, complicating the continent's situation further.
Rita Alemu, representing the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called for enhanced cooperation between Africa and Middle Eastern countries to achieve sustainable development. She emphasized the need for strategic partnerships to diversify economies and build advanced infrastructure, addressing common challenges such as conflicts, poverty, and climate change.
