THE University of Zululand’s (UniZulu) Department of Politics and International Studies hosted a group of international delegates for a two-day International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD), at the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront this week.
The event centered on global sustainable development.
Hosted in Africa for the first time, UniZulu Politics and International Studies’ Professor Christopher Isike said by holding the conference in the continent, the organisers wanted to ‘blend the showcasing of an authentic Africa with the scholastic elements of an academic engagement that results in quality policy outcomes for enabling sustainable development’.
Deputy Vice Chancellor and Research and Innovation, Professor Rob Midgley, was ‘delighted’ at seeing members travel from across the world.
In welcoming visitors, he said: ‘Our university has a particular mission. We want to make a difference in our community, not only in giving people opportunities, but also so that they can go back home and make these opportunities sustainable.’
Guests were treated to the sound and visuals of a traditional Zulu dance, performed by students.
uMhlathuze City Mayor, Cllr Elphas Mbatha highlighted the importance of cohesiveness among government as he believed this to be the foundation for generating sustainability.
‘There is a gap where local government’s voice reaches provincial and national legislatures.
‘This lack of integration largely impacts on infrastructure and service delivery,’ Mbatha said.
The mayor also mentioned the grey area which exists within the region.
‘People out there don’t have access to water, electricity and health services. This needs to be researched and attended to, fast,’ he said.
The Department of Politics and International Studies at UniZulu collaborated with the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Law, the Centre for Research in Social Justice and Policy at Laurentian University and Canada-based Ontario International Development Agency to make the hosting of the conference a success.
