Women in Politics, Youth Leaders & Africa’s Development: A Discussion With H.E. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim
CONSTITUTIONALISM, THE RULE OF LAW & DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE: A CONVERSATION WITH PROFESSOR THULI MADONSELA South African Professor Thuli Madonsela discusses the rule of law in the age of COVID-19, including important considerations around data protection and freedom of expression. On 10 July 2020, Mary-Jean Nleya (2019-2020 Open Internet for Democracy Leader) interviewed Professor Thuli Madonsela. Madonsela is a professor of law and the law faculty trust chair in social justice at Stellenbosch University, South Africa as well as the former South African...
(This article first appeared on CNBCAfrica on 23 September 2019) By Mary-Jean Nleya Africa balkanised in 1884 – 1885 The balkanisation of African states is a colonial construct, yet it has become one of the most Africanised phenomena of contemporary Africa. During the wave of independence, a pan-Africanist movement swept over much of the continent with Julius Nyerere as its ardent proponent. However, the drawn lines of the Berlin Conference remained firm causing national identity to trump over a shared African identity. The recent...
International ICT Conference in Africa: South Africa Hosts Global Tech Conference ICT Conference commences on African soil The 2018 ITU Telecom World Conference officially kicked off in Durban on Monday, 10 September 2018 until Thursday, 13 September 2018. The conference was an annual occasion organized by the host country and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a United Nations specialized agency for Information Telecommunications Technologies (ICTs). This year the conference was hosted by the South African Department of Telecommunications and Postal...
Duke and Duchess of Sussex Meet Youth Leaders at the Commonwealth Secretariat (5 July 2018) This article first appeared on Yourcommonwealth.org “Unforgettable” is probably how some of the Commonwealth youth leaders would describe their experience sharing ideas with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at a reception in London. The young people were pitching solutions for some of the most pressing challenges which Commonwealth countries are facing. Impressed with the young people, Prince Harry said, “We can’t wait to see you in action...
A Round-Up of the Panel Discussion on Youth, Peace and Security at Chatham House (2 May 2018) By: Mary-Jean Nleya (Member of Commonwealth Youth Human Rights & Democracy Network) Youth involvement in international peace and security is on the radar of the United Nations (UN). Similarly, 18 years ago (the year 2000) it was all about the women – the landmark resolution on Women, Peace and Security (Resolution 3025) was tabled into the UN agenda. This time, almost three years...
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting of 2018 (CHOGM) and its constituent Forums – the Commonwealth Business Forum, People’s Forum, Women’s Forum, and the vibrant Youth Forum – have wrapped up. Ahead of the gatherings by leaders at CHOGM, each of the Forums had mandates over the initial three days to discuss, debate and to ultimately provide recommendations to the heads of government. The Commonwealth Youth Forum concluded on 18 April 2018 when it culminated in the announcement of a...
Day two of #CHOGM2018 reached a crescendo at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre on 17 April 2018 when the day’s activities were opened with a musical performance encompassing the diversity of the Commonwealth. Following the instrumental rendition, representing Commonwealth states, was a joint-forum plenary with the following speakers: Prime Minister of the UK Theresa May, Microsoft founder and Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland, Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew...
The anticipated Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 (CHOGM) kicked off today in London and Windsor as 53 national flags of all Commonwealth nations-states line in Westminster's Parliament Square. The heads of the various Commonwealth states (and their envoys) came to London to attend the biennial summit. The Commonwealth Youth Forum, People’s Forum, Women's Forum and Business Forum are running concurrently with CHOGM 2018. The Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) also attracted young leaders from across the Commonwealth to attend discussions...