London, United Kingdom—UPF held a forum on security issues featuring esteemed speakers from nations whose viewpoints often are overlooked.
The meeting, held on July 18, 2023, in UPF’s London offices and online, was titled “Global South Perspectives on the Ukraine-Russia War and Consequent Geopolitical Tensions.”
The event aimed to foster respectful dialogue, promote mutual understanding, and address the widespread impact of the war on nations reliant on Ukraine for food supplies and global trade.
The event proved to be an insightful platform for promoting inclusivity and understanding in international affairs. As the world navigates complex geopolitical dynamics, such initiatives serve as vital steps toward a more harmonious and balanced global dialogue. UPF's efforts in orchestrating this event exemplify its commitment to promoting peace and mutual understanding on the international stage.
The moderator was Dr. Afzal Ashraf , a former university lecturer in international relations, politics, and history at the University of Loughborough and the University of Nottingham, where he is now a visiting fellow at the Centre for Conflict, Security and Terrorism.
The speakers
Dr. Mark C. Donfried is the director of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, a Berlin-based NGO that he founded in 2001. His focus at the moment is extending research, programs and practices in the field of cultural diplomacy. Dr. Donfried also teaches courses in cultural diplomacy at the Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies.
Hon. Muhammad Azhar Siddique is an advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and chairman of the Judicial Activism Panel, writer and social activist, human rights campaigner, and pro bono publico lawyer.
Professor Saleh Dauda is a professor of international relations at the University of Abuja, Nigeria. He has published widely in both local and international journals. He has written ten books on international relations and related areas. His research interest is in Africa's international relations, the Third World in global politics, regionalism in Africa and foreign policy formulation and analysis.
Emmanuel C. Njoku is an ambassador of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), the chairman of the Emma Njoku Foundation, an NGO focusing on health and education; and the managing director of Prezzo Shed Investments. He trained as a lawyer and has been involved in renewable energy, human resources management, real estate and law while sitting on the boards of many companies in Nigeria and overseas.
(Click on the speaker's name for the video link to their speech.)
Hon. Muhammad Azhar Siddique: advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and chairman of the Judicial Activism Panel
Professor Saleh Dauda: professor of international relations at the University of Abuja, Nigeria
Dr. Mark C. Donfried: executive director and founder of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy
Emmanuel C. Njoku: ambassador of ECOWAS, chairman, Emma Njoku Foundation, and managing director of Prezzo Shed Investments
Questions and Answers: Video of the Question-and-Answer Session