2023 IRSK annual conference report

The International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK) in partnership with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) jointly organized the Inaugural 2023 Annual IRSK Conference. This pioneering event sought to bridge theory and practice in international relations and diplomacy by bringing together a variety of state and non-state actors to engage, deliberate, and offer perspectives on the various crises, challenges and geopolitical dynamics currently playing out in the COMESA region. Over 100 participants attended the conference, including key government officials, parliamentarians, diplomats, scholars, policymakers, business leaders, media, and civil society representatives amongst others. The conference, which was marked by wide geographic representation and the participation of women drawn from various backgrounds, was held in Nairobi, Kenya from October 25 to October 27, 2023.

The theme for the 3-day conference was ‘International Relations and Diplomacy in an Era of Polycrisis and Geo-Strategic Competition in the COMESA Region.’ This theme encapsulated the pressing contemporary issues that demand our collective attention and served as a clarion call for actors in the international relations and diplomacy field to convene and dissect the nuances of polycrisis — the confluence of simultaneous crises — pervading the COMESA region. The conference took place against the backdrop of geo-strategic competition within the COMESA region, where international actors are vying for influence and resources. The combined impact of the two phenomena continues to cause unpredictable shocks and has far-reaching
implications on the future growth and development for countries within the sub-region.

The conference featured a dynamic blend of elements, ensuring a rich and immersive experience for all participants. Participants experienced captivating keynote addresses, engaging roundtable discussions, and workshops aimed at propelling these vital discussions, paving the way for informed action as well as impactful solutions. Beyond the intellectual discourse, the conference also encompassed vibrant social events, networking sessions and cultural activities. The fusion of these components created an all-round event that nurtured knowledge, dialogue and collaboration amongst participants, making the conference an exceptional and memorable event.