Objectives of the Programme
Stimulate and support the strengthening of capacities in Africa for education, training and research on peace-related issues.
In close collaboration with the selected African partner universities and other organizations, UPEACE will develop course materials for Master's degree and other academic programmes and short courses. These will be adapted to the particular needs and conditions in each case, and will build on the modular courses being developed at UPEACE. These modules will be made available to other universities, both for integration into ongoing programmes for specialists and to add new dimensions to teaching in disciplines such as economics, the social sciences, medicine, or business studies.
Of particular concern is the chronic and widespread lack of books, materials, and multi-media teaching aids, especially in the field of conflict studies. UPEACE will play a key role in addressing this problem through dissemination of documentation and materials, in the context of its overall plans for development dissemination of peace-related teaching materials, case studies, monographs, occasional papers, multi-media CD-Rom, with internet-based support.
Support collaborative research and sound scholarship on issues of peace and security in Africa so as to improve our understanding of the causes and dynamics of conflict in order to improve the prospects for successful prevention.
Crucial to the purposes of the UPEACE Africa programme is the support of collaborative research and sound scholarship on issues of peace and security in Africa. Improved understanding of the causes and dynamics of conflict and peace will be of great value in the formulation and implementation of policy; it will also play a key role in contributing to the improvement and evolution of academic courses being offered.
Enhance the participation and contribution of African experts, scholars and policy makers in the international analysis of, and response to, issues of peace and security, in order to promote a better appreciation in the rest of the world of African attitudes and approaches to the mediation of disputes, conflict prevention and consensus building, rooted in African values and traditions
The research and scholarship programme will strengthen research capabilities in Africa and promote the dissemination of studies into the international policy process. It will also provide the international community with more systematic access to African experience, wisdom, and analysis in the fields of peace and security. Recurrent comments have been made on the importance and value of interaction between Africa and the rest of the world, in order to sensitize the international community to maintaining interest in African studies. Of special interest is the need to delve into African success stories on peace-keeping and peace-building, conflict resolution, and post-conflict reconstruction. The privileged links that the University has with the United Nations and its specialised agencies can provide a key bridge to bring together the academic community and policy makers, whilst obtaining support for the programme at the highest political level on the continent in Africa.
