2023 IRSK Annual Conference Report

SRI was present for Session 6 – Think Tank and Diplomacy during the 2023 IRSK Annual Conference. Dr. Rosa Ko kicked off the session and provided insights into the role that African think-tanks play in generating and sharing knowledge (see page 49 in the conference report).

2023 IRSK Annual Conference

Dr. Rosa Ko spoke on the panel entitled “The Evolving Role of Think Tanks in International Relations and Diplomacy: Prospects, Opportunities and Challenges” which was part of the 2023 IRSK Annual Conference. Other panel members included Prof. Peter Kagwanja and Prof. Macharia Munene and the session was moderated by Prof. Kasaijja Apuuli. The discussant was Dr. Andrea Prah.

The conference was organized by the International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK) and supported by COMESA and ACCORD. It sought to bridge theory and practice in international relations and diplomacy and will bring together key government officials, diplomats, scholars, policymakers, business leaders, media, and civil society amongst others from the COMESA region and beyond.

Presentation at the Center for Korean Economy and K-Academics, Seoul National University

Dr. Ko, SRI’s Co-founder and President, was selected as a speaker at the 2022 International Conference organized by the Center for Korean Economy and K-Academics at Seoul National University. Her presentation is part of the conference segment “Korean Studies Abroad” and is entitled “Evolution of Korean Studies in Africa.” The virtual event will be on April 8, 2022.

Collaboration with Postgraduate Students from the LSE’s Department of International Development

SRI is sponsoring a Postgraduate Student Consultancy Project entitled “Does EdTech have a Role in Improving Kenya’s Learning Outcomes Amongst Primary and Secondary Students?”

We are working with Maty Ngom, Marta Perich-Pallaruelo and Oliver Walker from the LSE’s Department of International Development and the research is being supervised by Dr. Rosa Ko. The final report will be finished in March 2022.

Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between SRI and Kenyatta University

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Rosa Ko, SRI’s President, has signed an MoU with Prof. Paul Wainana, Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University. The two organizations will cooperate in the areas of academic partnerships, research & innovation, community outreach, etc. We wish to thank especially Prof. Grace Bunyi and Dr. Mildred Nawari from KU for making this possible.

Bilateral Research Cooperation with the Catholic University of Korea

SRI is delighted to announce the signing of an International Research Exchange Agreement with the Catholic University of Korea for research entitled “Faith-Based Civil Society Organizations and Social Capital for Political Change: Kenya and Korea”.

The study will explore the role of faith-based civil society organizations, specifically churches, in generating social capital for democratic change in Kenya and South Korea. It will highlight the transnational network resources in providing input into social movement organization and leadership skills. Identity values as a mobilizational resource will be a particular focus of study and research. As such, the intersection between national, secular identity and sectarianism is noted. A thematic focus will be on defending and institutionalizing liberal democratic values amidst the humanitarian and political crises generated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The research will be conducted by Dr. Rosa S. Ko (President, Sochin Research Institute) and Dr. Benedict E. DeDominicis (Associate Professor of Political Science, Catholic University of Korea).

Resumption of Cyber Security Training

We hope to continue in-person training in June when the American Corner, Moi University is scheduled to reopen.