The African Union plays a key role in strengthening diplomatic relations among the African States. For economic empowerment and the achievement of sustainable development goals, the continent needs to relook at its foreign policy and diplomacy.
For instance, industrial revolution and technological advancement should further strengthen diplomatic relations among the African states and across the globe.
African nations have worked hard in peacekeeping and conflict resolution. A good example is the African Union Mission in Somalia, which played a significant role in supporting the Somali Government against the militants.
Also, African diplomacy has played important role in promoting regional cooperation and finding solutions to health challenges like malaria, cancer and HIV/AIDS. Together, the continent’s diplomats also embrace global climate negotiations.
Nonetheless, the success of diplomacy is key to achieving sustainable development in Africa. Peace keeping and peace making need to be more strengthened to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It is important to note that several challenges undermine sustainable development including conflicts, debt burdens, facing severe diseases, inadequate investment, limited market access and supply-side constraints.
Maximizing Diplomacy
Africa needs to maximize diplomacy to well address hunger, food insecurity, drought and illiteracy. It’s true that African diplomacy revolves around justice, equality, peace and economic stability.
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Furthermore, the continent needs to review its diplomatic policies to promote social and economic stability. This will guarantee sustainable peace as opposed to short-term peace-keeping initiatives.
What’s more, research gaps still exist in digitalization of African public diplomacy.
Democracy and diplomacy should be regularly, and compulsory taught in higher education institutions to enhance the political and diplomatic vision of youth in Africa.
Political Will in Africa
Political will is a worldwide phenomenon for the political stability. Political vision provides the roots for successful diplomacy. In Africa, bilateral relations should be strengthened to achieve SDGs.
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Undeniably, Africa is dominant in natural resources and the African youth has the potential to experience good governance and successful diplomacy.
The Way Forward
The diplomatic training and policies should be fully supported by the governing bodies for the success of diplomacy to ensure the provision of clean water and food, to overcome illiteracy and to provide proper medical treatment, equality and social justice.
In addition, the diplomatic efforts of the African Union should extend to regional and international matters.
Success rate of diplomacy should be maximized to minimize military intervention in conflict resolution in Africa.
Last, authorities should identify barriers and seek solutions to achieve SDGs.
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