??Nairobi, Kenya – October 9-11, 2024 – The UNESCO Chair on Intercultural Competence at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 proudly announces the resounding success of its inaugural intercultural conference, held at Strathmore 肆客足球, a key partner institution. The event brought together 56 participants from 12 countries, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas, experiences and practices.
The conference featured a keynote address by Mr. Milton Nyamadzawo, Director of the Institute for Economics and Peace in Southern Africa, alongside contributions from 19 speakers, including a plenary panel featuring two UNESCO Chairs and university leaders from both Stellenbosch and Strathmore Universities. Participants also enjoyed a film screening and engaged in a special post-conference strategy meeting with Secretary Ogle from the Office of the President of Kenya.
Feedback from attendees highlighted the conference's impact, with participants describing it as "meaningful," "connective," "enriching," and one even noting, "these are my people!" Key takeaways from the discussions included:
- The need to learn more about significant local intercultural initiatives driven by individuals who understand their unique contexts.
- The critical importance of listening for understanding in social relations as well as the need for intentional development of intercultural competence.
- The foundational role of narratives in human experiences.
- The necessity of amplifying the voices of Africa's youth.
- The need for more frequent intergenerational dialogues.
- The value of communities of practice as nurturing hubs for intercultural exchange.
One of the primary goals of the conference was to create a platform for African voices, perspectives, and practices—especially those rooted in pre-colonial traditions—on intercultural topics that promote shared humanity and peaceful coexistence where all thrive.
Looking ahead, the next UNESCO Chair intercultural conference is scheduled to take place in Morocco during the last week of September 2025. More details will be posted on the Chair website at www.sun.ac.za/english/unescochair-icc/
The UNESCO Chair on Intercultural Competence, based at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 and led by Dr. Darla K. Deardorff, a renowned expert in the field, focuses on the intersections of intercultural competence with peacebuilding, climate action, and gender equality across Africa and beyond. The Chair's team includes co-chairs: Dr. Divinia Jithoo, Dr Precious Simba, Operations Coordinator: Werner de Wit, and Intersection leads: Yenziwe Mbuyisa, Sarah Richmond, and Rabia Omar, along with partner universities across Africa and beyond.
For more information or to get involved with the work of the Chair, please contact Dr. Darla Deardorff or the team at UNESCO-ICC@sun.ac.za.
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