Why the Congo Conference Counts

In last semester’s interview with Bennett Collins, the Director of the Coalition for a Conflict-Free St Andrews mentioned the plans for an upcoming conference on the situation in the Eastern […]


In last semester’s interview with Bennett Collins, the Director of the Coalition for a Conflict-Free St Andrews mentioned the plans for an upcoming conference on the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The conference will take place this weekend, and here’s why you should put the date in your calendar. 

The conference, “Looking Forward in the Eastern DRC: The Roles to be Played by the International Community” will bring together a multitude of experts to discuss the current situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They will also come up with goals regarding the situation, achieved through a collaboration of advocacy and civil engagement in the region. Expert speakers include:

Dr. Gérard Prunier, a French academic and historian who specializes in African politics;

Koen Vlassenroot, Director of the Conflict Research Group and professor at the University of Ghent;

Mr. Bandi Mbubi, founder of Congo Calling;

Fiona Lloyd Davies, award-winning filmmaker

Marie-Therese Nlandu, former Amnesty International prisoner of conscience

This weekend’s event, a part of the University’s 600th Anniversary, is the largest conference of its kind to occur in the UK, which only increases its importance to St Andrews students, as taking an interest in world affairs is something we pride ourselves in.

Dr. Bennett has said that, “The significance of this conference lies in the fact that we as students have managed to bring together some of the leading activists and scholars on the DRC to discuss what we as a global community can do to affect positive change on one of the most ignored crises in the world today. What many do not understand is that this crisis is so complex and so intertwined that it affects every single one of us in some way. The conference will address everything from women’s rights, illicit logging and mining practices to development aid to the role of media in humanitarian situations – the list could go on. Ultimately, if you’re concerned for our environment, if you’re a believer in human rights, or if you worry about the future of the human race, we have somehow managed to bring what will be a ground-breaking, constructive discussion on one of the world’s largest travesties to your doorstep.”

 

Tickets can be bought online and cost £10 (for the keynote speech from Dr. Gérard Prunier on Friday) and £25 for the entire conference. Full details on the conference can be found on their website.

 

headline image courtesy of the Coalition for a Conflict-Free St Andrews