On 14 August 2026, the Founder and Executive Director of ACCORD, Dr Vasu Gounden, was invited to be a panellist at a Public Lecture held in support of South Africa’s Chairship of the 46th SADC Summit. The lecture focused on the theme, “Translating SADC Vision 2050 into Action: Pathways Towards Solidarity, Equality and Shared Prosperity”. It was held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa.
As Chairperson of SADC, South Africa had committed itself to advancing regional integration, peace and security, industrialisation, infrastructure development, and inclusive socio-economic transformation. The Public Lecture was therefore convened as a strategic public engagement platform in support of South Africa’s Chairship of the 46th SADC Summit and formed part of broader efforts to popularise the regional integration agenda and strengthen public ownership of SADC Vision 2050.
The Public Lecture provided a platform for high-level reflection and public dialogue on practical pathways for translating Vision 2050 into action. It brought together policymakers, traditional leaders, academics, regional experts, diplomats, students, civil society representatives, business leaders, youth, women’s organisations, and members of the public to discuss how SADC could move from aspiration to implementation and deliver visible benefits to citizens across the region.
The lecture featured a keynote address by the President of the Republic of South Africa, followed by a high-level panel discussion comprising leading experts from South Africa and the broader SADC region.
The Public Lecture sought to deepen public and stakeholder understanding of SADC Vision 2050 and its practical relevance to regional integration, industrialisation, peace, security, and inclusive development in Southern Africa. It reflected on progress made towards the attainment of Vision 2050, including achievements, persistent constraints, emerging risks, and opportunities requiring accelerated regional action. The event stimulated dialogue on practical pathways for advancing Vision 2050’s strategic pillars of Industrial Development and Market Integration, Infrastructure Development in Support of Regional Integration, and Social and Human Capital Development. It also promoted stronger partnerships among governments, academia, business, civil society, traditional leaders, women, youth, citizens, and regional institutions in support of implementing regional development priorities. Furthermore, it generated practical, policy-relevant recommendations on accelerating the implementation, financing, and monitoring of Vision 2050 in ways that improved the lives and livelihoods of SADC citizens.
The Public Lecture contributed to enhancing awareness and public understanding of SADC Vision 2050 and its relevance to advancing regional integration, peace, industrialisation, and sustainable development in Southern Africa. It provided informed dialogue on the strategic priorities, policy choices, partnerships, and implementation mechanisms required to accelerate progress towards achieving Vision 2050. The event strengthened collaboration among governments, academia, business, civil society, traditional leaders, women, youth, and regional institutions in support of a shared agenda for regional transformation and sustainable development. It also provided practical recommendations and insights to inform future policy discussions and initiatives aimed at advancing solidarity, equality, and shared prosperity across the SADC region.
