The discussion will entail an interaction with students on enhancing networked multilateralism between Geneva and Addis Ababa. Addis Ababa, as the seat of the African Union, plays a central role in shaping Africa’s peace and security agenda, while Geneva remains a key multilateral hub for peace diplomacy, human rights, and humanitarian action. However, despite shared objectives, engagement between these two centres often remains fragmented. This discussion will aim to develop a better understanding of the possible mechanisms for networked multilateralism between Geneva and Addis Ababa and the role that students can play in enhancing this mechanism.
This event is co-hosted by the office of strategic partnerships, the Geneva Policy Outlook, the Fab, the Afrique Student Association, and the Junior Diplomat Initiative.
Solomon A. Dersso
Dr Solomon Dersso is Founding Director of Amani Africa, an independent pan-African policy research, training and consulting think tank with expertise on the African Union system and with the specialization on the AU Peace and Security Council. Amani Africa aims to advance evidence-based and policy-oriented knowledge on the AU, African regional bodies and current African policy issues, with a particular focus on multilateral process on peace and security, governance and regional integration in Africa.
A leading legal scholar and analyst of peace and security and current African and African Union (AU) affairs, Dr Solomon Dersso served as the Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights during 2019-2021.
Formerly, he worked as Head of the Peace and Security Council Report Program of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) after serving as a senior researcher, which he assumed on joining the ISS in 2008.
He was also a research fellow at the South African Institute for Advanced Constitutional Law (SAIFAC). Apart from documenting and publishing on AU policy issues and processes, Dr Dersso has delivered high-level policy briefings and presentations for governmental and inter-governmental representatives and policy-making bodies including the AU Peace and Security Council, IGAD, the Panel of the Wise and the AU High-Level Panel on Egypt.
His legal scholarship that covers teaching of human rights and academic and policy research includes non-faculty professorship at the College of Law and Governance, Addis Ababa University.
With over hundred publications including four single authored monographs, one edited book, more than two dozen peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters as well as reports and numerous opinion editorials and analysis, Dr Dersso’s expert opinion featured in the works of major media organizations including Mail and Guardian, Times, SABC, Al-Jazeera, Daily Maverick, CGTN, the Guardian, and the BBC.
He holds a PhD degree from the School of Law, University of the Witwatersrand, LLM Degree from the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria and LLB from School of Law, Addis Ababa University.