Four master’s students from the North-West University (NWU) recently formed part of the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS) panel during its annual meeting at Stellenbosch University.
Prince Gontse Motaung, Tshegofatso Hazel Tomodi, Mpho Santho and Resego Letlhogile from the subject group Politics and International Relations were accompanied by their supervisor, Dr Norman Sempijja to the event that took place from 19 to 21 June 2019.
The United Nations System consists of the United Nations and the six principal organs of the United Nations. These include the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat, specialised agencies and affiliated organisations.
According to Dr Sempijja, the event entailed a stimulating discourse on the United Nations (UN) and Africa in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Scholars explored challenges and opportunities available to countries and other bodies such as the UN, African Union and sub-regional organisations in achieving the SDGs,” says Dr Sempijja.
This was the first time the ACUNS held its annual meeting in Africa. The event was attended by large numbers of African scholars, as well as various colleagues from Europe, Asia, the Americas and Oceania.
“The synergy created between the Global South and North has led to further interest in continuing interaction to generate more knowledge for the academic and policy sectors,” added Dr Sempijja.
Prince said the conference brought all the great minds across the world together.
“It was a great experience to be part of the panel, especially since we were the only student panelists among doctors, professors and practitioners who have and are still serving one of the biggest global bodies with regard to international relations.”
Prince added that their participation has opened doors and created networks for young people to participate in global issues that affect mostly Africans.
The ACUNS is currently based at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University in the UK. Its purpose is to stimulate and support research and teaching on the role of the United Nations System in international relations.
Here are Dr Norman Sempijja, Tshegofatso Hazel Tomodi, Mpho Santho, Resego Letlhogile and Gontse Motaung at the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS) during its recent annual meeting at Stellenbosch University.
