ACCORD participated in the South Africa – Switzerland Special Envoys Retreat in Pretoria, South Africa, from May 20 to 22, 2026. The retreat aimed to strengthen African mediation efforts, bringing together representatives from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland. This collaborative engagement focused on enhancing strategies for peace and conflict resolution across the African continent, emphasizing the critical role of diplomatic initiatives in fostering stability. The event served as a significant platform for exchanging insights and developing more cohesive approaches to regional challenges.
ACCORD's Key Contributions
Dr. Vasu Gounden, Founder and Executive Director of ACCORD, made a presentation at the retreat on May 20, 2026. His presentation was titled "The African Mediation Landscape: From peace through dialogue to strategic mediation in an age of fragmentation." This address noted the evolving nature of peace and conflict resolution within Africa, emphasizing the shift towards more strategic approaches in an increasingly complex global environment. Dr. Gounden’s insights provided a foundational understanding of the current state of African mediation, exploring both its historical context and future trajectory. His contribution showed the necessity of adapting mediation techniques to address contemporary conflicts, which often involve multiple actors and intricate geopolitical dynamics.
Ms. Karishma Rajoo, ACCORD’s General Manager: Programme, participated in the entirety of the three-day retreat. Her continuous presence throughout the discussions ensured ACCORD’s consistent engagement with both the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of the Republic of South Africa and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, contributing significantly to the collaborative aims of the Pretoria gathering. Ms. Rajoo’s involvement facilitated direct interaction and knowledge sharing, reinforcing ACCORD's commitment to strengthening African mediation capabilities. Her participation allowed for real-time input and feedback, ensuring that ACCORD’s extensive experience in conflict resolution was integrated into the broader discussions.
Retreat Objectives and Scope
The recent retreat, held in Pretoria, South Africa, brought together various stakeholders to enhance African mediation capabilities. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of the Republic of South Africa and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland jointly organized the event. This collaborative effort aimed at strengthening the continent's capacity to resolve conflicts and promote peace through effective mediation strategies. Participants engaged in discussions focused on identifying current challenges and opportunities within the African mediation landscape. The organizers sought to foster greater understanding and cooperation among diplomatic entities involved in peace processes, laying the groundwork for more coordinated interventions. The Pretoria gathering showed a shared commitment to developing more strong and coordinated approaches to conflict prevention and resolution across Africa. A primary objective was to facilitate peer learning on mediation, allowing participants to share best practices and challenges encountered in their respective roles.
Broader Mediation Context
The South Africa – Switzerland Special Envoys Retreat sought to facilitate peer learning concerning mediation practices among diplomatic representatives. A central objective involved deepening participants' understanding of the broader mediation landscape, both internationally and within the African continent. This full approach ensured that discussions were informed by global best practices while remaining relevant to specific African contexts. Organizers also aimed to identify key lessons regarding the roles, mandates, and support systems essential for Special Envoys engaged in peace processes. These discussions contributed to the overall goal of strengthening African mediation efforts by fostering a more informed and coordinated approach among diplomatic stakeholders. The collaborative environment allowed for the exchange of experiences and insights, which participants indicated would be valuable for future conflict resolution initiatives. The retreat specifically aimed to identify lessons on the roles, mandates, and support systems of Special Envoys, recognizing their critical function in navigating complex peace negotiations. This focus on practical aspects of mediation work is expected to yield tangible benefits for ongoing and future peace efforts across the continent.
