African Union ambassador to keynote Norwich summit on conflict and global rivalry

Norwich University's John and Mary Frances Patton Peace & War Center will host its 7th Annual Peace and War Summit on March 23-24, bringing together scholars, policymakers, military professionals, and students to examine the evolving dynamics shaping Africa's security landscape.

This year's theme, "Africa's Strategic Crossroads: Conflict, Governance, and Great Power Rivalry," reflects the growing complexity of challenges facing the continent, from persistent regional conflicts to intensifying geopolitical competition among global powers.

The summit will feature His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Fathi Ahmed Edrees, the Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, as its keynote speaker. Edrees will deliver remarks following opening comments by Provost and Dean of Faculty, Dr. Lea M. Williams, during the event's opening session Monday morning.

Edrees brings decades of diplomatic experience to the summit, including leadership roles in multilateral negotiations and international peacebuilding efforts. Since assuming his current role in 2025, he has worked to strengthen cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations, while supporting African Representation and coordination within the UN system. His prior service as Egypt's permanent representative to the UN and his leadership of major international bodies, including the Group of 77 and China (2018) and the UN Peacebuilding Commission (2021), underscore his expertise in global governance and security.

The two-day summit will explore a wide range of interconnected issues affecting Africa's stability and development. Discussions will address ongoing intrastate and interstate conflicts, the rise of transnational terrorist networks, and the enduring challenges of corruption and weak governance structures.

Additional sessions will examine the broader forces influencing regional security, including climate change, migration, economic development, human rights concerns, and public health crises. The aim is to highlight how these factors intersect with political instability and conflict, shaping both immediate and long-term outcomes across the continent.

A central focus of the summit will be the expanding influence of global powers in Africa. Panels and discussions will consider the roles of China and Russia, alongside U.S. engagement and policy, as nations compete for strategic partnerships, resources, and influence. These conversations are expected to provide insight into how great power rivalry is reshaping political and security dynamics throughout the region.

The summit will feature multiple panel sessions with faculty experts and guest speakers presenting research on topics ranging from security force assistance and terrorism to healthcare reform and economic development. Roundtable discussions on the second day will further examine the complexities of governance and the implications of global competition for U.S. strategy toward Africa.

Student scholarship will also play a key role in the event. CDT Tom Besser '26, Zaleigh Hornsey '27, Coast Guard AUP, and Kristin Sanderson '26 will present research on a range of topics, contributing to the summit's emphasis on interdisciplinary dialogue and emerging perspectives.

By convening experts from diverse fields, the Peace & War Center aims to foster critical analysis and generate new ideas for addressing the challenges facing Africa today. The summit serves as a platform for examining not oly the sources of conflict but also the opportunities for advancing sustainable peace and security.

The Peace and War Summit is part of Norwich University's ongoing commitment to preparing students and professionals to engage with complex global issues. Through discussions led by experienced practitioners and scholars, the event offers participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Africa's strategic importance in an increasingly interconnected world.