The UN OSAA 2024 Academic Conference on Africa took place from 3 to 5 December, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. New York Local Time

Under the theme "Power, Justice, and the People: Human Rights and the Rule of Law for Africa’s Transformation", the hybrid event was held at the United Nations Headquarters, Conference Room 2. It was broadcast on with live interpretation and streamed on the , with the possibility of engaging in real-time through the YouTube chat. ?

Each day was focused on a different sub-theme as follows: 

  • 3 December - Rights and Realities: Integrating Diverse Dimensions of Human Rights in Africa?  
  • 4 December - Historical Contexts and Contemporary Challenges: The Evolution of Rule of Law in Africa?
  • 5 December - From Theory to Action: Leveraging African Scholarship in Policy Development? 

The United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) organized the conference in collaboration with the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), with generous financial contributions from the United Nations 国产AV and Development Trust Fund. Each year, the conference provides an important opportunity for Member States, UN practitioners and policymakers to engage with distinguished African academics and share knowledge and perspectives on pressing issues facing the continent and the world. Touching on themes such as the diverse dimensions of human rights in Africa, the evolution of the rule of law on the continent, and the importance of leveraging African scholarship in policy development, the 2024 conference aimed to drive tangible change, drawing on the experiences and insights of African thought leaders.

The conference was open to all participants, including UN Member State representatives and members of African regional institutions and Pan-African organizations at all levels, as well as UN and external stakeholders, including representatives from civil society organizations, the private sector, academia and the media.

Watch the recordings: