ACFR Europe International Relations Conference 2026
''Education, Diplomacy, and International Development Cooperation in the Age of Digital Influence"
The ACFR Europe International Relations Conference 2027will bring together leading institutions and experts to address critical challenges in governance, security, and development through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.
The ACFR Europe Program is the European diplomatic and strategic arm of the African Council on Foreign Relations. It serves as a continental platform for Africa–Europe cooperation, fostering dialogue, governance innovation, and leadership development in order to strengthen Africa’s global influence within European institutions and the international order.
Background
This conference is convened at a critical juncture where the intersection of education, digital technology, and diplomacy demands strategic attention. The timely nature of this gathering reflects the urgent need for policymakers, educators, and diplomats to collaboratively design frameworks that harness digital influence for positive developmental outcomes, rather than allowing it to exacerbate existing inequalities or geopolitical tensions.
The Urgency
Digital influence now shapes public discourse, policy formulation, and institutional partnerships. As European and African nations navigate this digital transition, there is a critical need to align educational frameworks and diplomatic strategies to foster sustainable, technology-enabled development cooperation.
The global landscape is undergoing a profound transformation driven by rapid technological advancement and digital integration. In this new era, the traditional boundaries of diplomacy, education, and international development are increasingly porous, creating both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges for global cooperation.
Targeted Audiences
The conference brings together a diverse coalition of stakeholders essential for shaping the future of digital diplomacy and education:
Senior diplomats and foreign policy advisors
Ministers of Education and Digital Economy
Academic leaders and researchers
International development practitioners
Technology sector representatives
Civil society leaders
Co-Equal Collaboration
What You Can Expect
This in-person conference is designed to maximize interactive dialogue and actionable outcomes. The structure includes:
High-level plenary sessions with keynote addresses
Thematic panel discussions featuring cross-sector experts
Interactive workshops for policy formulation
Dedicated networking and partnership-building sessions
Meet Our Speakers
Get to know the passionate voices behind our events, each bringing unique experience and expertise.
Secure Your Delegate Seat
Join leading policymakers, diplomatic delegates, and academic researchers in shaping the next generation of co-equal institutional partnerships. Registration is open for both virtual and in-person delegates.
