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2025 Academic Conference on Africa “Seizing the Moment: The African State and Its Promise”
1 December - 3 December
We are pleased to invite civil society —alongside African academics, UN colleagues, the African Diaspora, people of African descent, and all who are passionate about Africa—to the 2025 Academic Conference on Africa, taking place 1–3 December 2025 at UN Headquarters in New York. Under the theme “Seizing the Moment: The African State and Its Promise,” the conference brings together leading African thinkers and changemakers for a forward-looking dialogue on governance, development, and Africa’s policy future.
This year’s programme dedicates significant time to open, interactive dialogue and interventions from the floor, ensuring a wide diversity of voices helps drive the the conversation. Civil society and academia are two essential halves of Africa’s knowledge ecosystem, and their exchange is key to challenging outdated narratives and elevating perspectives rooted in African realities. We warmly welcome your engagement in shaping the recommendations that can help guide the UN’s ongoing work on Africa.
Conference Programme [All Sessions Held 10:00am to 1:00pm, Conference Rm 2, UNHQ]
Monday, 1 December: “The State of the State in Africa: Presence, Perception, and Performance in a Changing World”
Discussion will examine the historical and structural roots of State absence in Africa and its far-reaching consequences for peace, security, and development. It will explore how gaps in presence and legitimacy have shaped public trust, governance, and stability across the continent.
Tuesday, 2 December: “Transforming the State, Reclaiming the Future: Pathways to African Renewal”
Discussion will focus on the transformation of the African State as the foundation for renewal. Building on the African Union’s 2025 theme on reparations, it will explore structural justice and strategies to strengthen institutional capacity, fiscal governance, and the social contract for sustainable peace and development.
Wednesday, 3 December: “Ideas That Build Nations: Leveraging African Scholarship for a New Era of Policymaking”
Discussion will highlight the vital role of African scholarship in shaping policymaking and global debates. It will focus on strategies to elevate African intellectual leadership, bridge research and policy, and promote transformative approaches to governance, justice, and development.
**Participants are welcome to attend all or part of the conference and should feel welcome register for the session(s) that best fit their interests and availability.**
To secure your seat at this event, please register here by Tuesday, 25 November 2025. We look forward to your participation!