Course Description

This is a supplemental program that enhances credit courses. We organize monthly International Forum addressed by Ambassadors/Diplomats from United Nations on selected topics/ themes that augment and add value to relevant courses in Liberal Arts Studies (History), Social Science programs (Specializations) and International Studies. UN diplomats who work in a world of multilateralism will be able to speak on global topics that are selected, in consultation with relevant faculty for the month or semester.

A topic selected for presentation/discussion by UN Ambassadors (fall 2009): Impact of united nations and other organizations on social, economic and political developments in Africa and the Diaspora”

Coordinator:   Ambassador Bob F. Jalang’o

The lectures are intended to provide graduate and undergraduate students with the evolution, historical and political dimensions of the United Nations and the challenges the Organization has faced over the last sixty years as the membership from Africa and developing countries increased; bringing with them myriad demands for developmental and security issues. Despite major peacekeeping operations and global support, the Organization has experienced a mixture of successes and challenges in African countries and Diasporas.

By the same token, national governments in Africa and the Diaspora have witnessed varying degrees of social and economic decline as a result of negative effects of globalization, heavy external debt, population increase and renewed political upheavals. It is against this backdrop that the lecture series are bound to provoke exciting discussions and provide a platform for examining the immense supportive role of United Nations, governments and numerous international organizations on developments in Africa and the Diaspora.