By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Former South African president, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, will chair the 2025 Obafemi Awolowo Foundation Webinar expected to hold on March 6, 2025.
A statement by the Foundation made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Thursday, February 27, explained that “as part of its mandate to propagate the continuing relevance of the ideas of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the Obafemi Foundation 2025 annual Webinar will be chaired by His Excellency Thabo Mbeki on March 6.”
While Mbeki chairs the webinar, which theme is ‘Our 21st Century World: Reflections and Projections,’ the keynote speaker is the world renowned economist, innovative educator and global leader in sustainable development, Professor Jeffrey Sachs, currently the Director, Centre for Sustainable Development, who also holds a chair at the Columbia University in the United States.
Executive Director, Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Ambassador (Dr.) Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, who signed the statement, said: “The 21st century has brought rapid transformations across all facets of human life, driven by technological innovation, economic shifts, and evolving geopolitical landscapes.
“This webinar, ‘Our 21st Century World: Reflections and Projections,’ provides an interdisciplinary platform to reflect on these changes and explore forward-thinking strategies to navigate the challenges and opportunities of our times.
“With a focus on four critical sub-themes—The Economy, Technology (with special emphasis on Artificial Intelligence), the North-South Dynamics, and Africa’s Options for Development—the webinar will engage participants in robust discussions aimed at understanding the interconnected nature of global progress and disparities.
“The economy will examine the evolving trends in global trade, financial systems, and economic policies, exploring how nations and regions can achieve sustainable growth amid uncertainty.
“Technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, will be assessed in terms of its transformative impact on industries, governance, and daily life.
“We will delve into the ethical, economic, and societal implications of AI, as well as its potential to shape the future.
“The North-South Dynamics will explore the historical and contemporary relationships between the Global North and Global South, analysing patterns of power, dependency, and collaboration. Emphasis will be placed on fostering equitable partnerships for mutual growth.
“Finally, Africa’s Options options for Development will spotlight the continent’s unique opportunities and challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.
“From leveraging technological advancements to redefining its role in global affairs, this sub-theme will propose actionable pathways for Africa’s progress.
“This virtual seminar invites policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and students to contribute insights, engage in dialogue, and propose solutions that reflect our shared responsibility for a sustainable and equitable future.
“Together, we will chart a course toward a world that balances reflection with projection, innovation with inclusivity, and progress with purpose.”
She added that four eminent personalities were also expected as guest speakers at the annual event “which is expected to be moderated by three eminent academics from foremost Nigerian universities.”
She added: “The speakers are the President, African School of Governance, Professor Kingsley Moghalu; the Director General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Eghosa Osaghae; a Pan-Africanist, rights activist and lawyer, who is also the Managing Director, Programmes, Open Society Foundation Africa, Mr. Brian Kagoro; and a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Digital Transformation at the Sheffield Business School, Sheffield Hallam, United Kingdom, Professor Seun Kolade.
“The webinar will be moderated by three eminent academics from foremost Nigerian universities, including a retired professor of International Relations at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Professor Alade Fawole; a Professor Of Political Science from the same university, Professor Sat Obiyan; and an Associate Professor and Director, Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, University of Ibadan, Dr. Adedoyin Aguoru.”
The event comes up at 6:00 p.m. (Nigeria time).
