News

By Ally Mambele, CMU

The College of Social of Sciences of the University of Dar es Salaam recently held its bi-annual conference, usually marked with its prestigious scholarly discussions and debates, with a focus on the role of academicians in addressing contemporary global uncertainties.

The 8^th Voice of Social Sciences (VSS) International  Conference, which took place at UDSM from 6th to 8th November, 2024, was attended by scholars, researchers, and policymakers from Africa and beyond, and exemplified the varstiy’s goal of encouraging thought-provoking discussion and cooperation among individuals committed to advancing the social sciences and other disciplines.

UDSM Deputy Vice-Chancellor-Research Professor Nelson Boniface, when gracing the opening of the conference, stressed the value of this interdisciplinary meeting in addressing global uncertainties that take many forms, ranging from health issues and climate change to geopolitical rivalry, security issues, and shifting economic patterns.

Prof. Boniface, while referring to the conference’s theme: “Africa in the Age of Uncertainties: Risk, Resilience, and Future Prospects”, emphasized that “for scholars, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from the African continent and beyond, this conference has evolved into an intellectually stimulating forum with substantial growth in its local and global impact”.

Meanwhile, the Principal of the College of Social Sciences (CoSS), Professor Christine Noe, stated that the conference was a customary practice for scholars to meet and discuss issues affecting society and to provide solutions to these issues, particularly those that have negative impacts on the community.

“This involves finding solutions after deliberating on the findings of their research as academics. As scholars, we research and then publish our work in various platforms, and therefore, the community can expect these discussions to continue even after the conclusion of the conference”, said Prof. Noe.

The conference comprised 28 panels with more than 200 speakers ready to share their perspectives. There was a sense of excitement in the gathering; this was a rare chance for introspection and inter-continental knowledge exchange.

“The Africa We Want” focus

One of the main highlights of the conference was the "Africa We Want" session, which examined how to achieve seven key goals that represent Africa's shared future vision namely a thriving Africa based on sustainable development and inclusive progress; a politically united, integrated continent based on the renaissance vision and pan-Africanist principles; and Africa's democracy, rule of law, justice, human rights, and good governance.

Other issues in this regard included how Africa is committed to maintaining peace and security while protecting its people, how Africa is deeply anchored in its common culture, values, ethics, and traditions.

As participants examined how Africa could establish itself as a resilient force in a world characterised by constant change, the "Africa We Want" session provided a solid foundation for the conversations.

A common conviction emerged throughout the conversations: Africa's capacity to capitalise on its assets and principles will determine its place in the world, establishing a future based on independence, sustainability, and solidarity.