On April 8, 2025, the Dresden International Forum (IFIP) will take place under the theme "From Conflicts to Cooperation – The Resource Nexus as a Pathway to Peace and Prosperity in Africa" at the Frauenkirche Dresden. The panel discussion will feature renowned experts from academia and professional practice, including UNU Rector and UN Under-Secretary-General Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala as one of our distinguished guests.

At the evening event, we will discuss how the competition for access to natural resources in Africa poses a significant conflict risk. The struggle over raw materials, water, and land has frequently led to violence and wars in the past. This is particularly evident in the case of so-called "blood diamonds," which illustrate how the illicit trade of valuable raw materials has financed civil wars and terrorism. Water-related conflicts are no less alarming: disputes over rivers and dams threaten regional stability, as exemplified by tensions between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

However, resource-related conflicts in Africa are not inevitable. Various approaches to conflict resolution, including integrated resource management and nexus approaches, fair trade, or sustainable supply chains, are already being implemented both within Africa and on an international level. During the discussion, we aim to explore these strategies and critically examine the responsibilities of states, industries, and consumers. Key questions include: How can the global community contribute to long-term solutions? How can conflicts be mitigated through sustainable resource management? And how can we ensure that local communities also benefit from valuable resources?

All interested parties are warmly invited to participate in the evening event. Further information about the program and guests can be found here.

• Participation is free, and no prior registration is required.
• The conference language is English.
• The event begins at 7:15 PM.

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Organizing Team                                                                                                                          The Dresden International Forum is jointly organized by the Center for International Studies (CIS) in cooperation with the Development and Peace Foundation (sef:), the Peace Foundation of the Frauenkirche Dresden, and UNU-FLORES (United Nations University).

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