The Center for Global Engagement is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to students, faculty, staff and the local community, to attend the CGE Signature Global Dialogue event titled Lessons from South African Constitutional Negotiators: Moving Beyond Toxic Polarization in America. The event will be hosted on October 23, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. in Alumni Memorial Hall room 210.
The Signature Global Dialogue will offer attendees the unique opportunity to learn from Roelf Meyer and Mohammed Bhabha, two South African constitutional negotiators, and gain valuable insights into fostering constructive civic engagement in America’s political landscape. In an era marked by deep divisions and polarization, their wisdom is particularly relevant.
Roelf Meyer and Mohammed Bhabha, whose unlikely friendship and remarkable partnership played a pivotal role in South Africa’s transition from apartheid to a multiracial democracy, are set to take center stage at the CGE Signature Global Dialogue. The event promises to shed light on their extraordinary journey as they tackled deeply polarizing political, economic and social issues at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA). Their collaborative efforts served as the catalyst for establishing unity in South Africa and paved the way for a brighter future.
Following their success at CODESA, Meyer and Bhabha expanded their influence globally, using the South African conflict-resolution model to mediate in some of the world’s most challenging international disputes, including Kosovo, Rwanda, Northern Ireland, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
During their three-day visit to Knoxville, Meyer and Bhabha will engage in numerous dialogues with university and local groups, enriching our community with their experiences and expertise.
Their visit to UT is facilitated by Civic Genius, a Rochester-based NGO committed to fostering civic dialogue in the US, and Beyond Conflict, a Boston-based NGO with a mission of bringing together global leaders focused on fostering peace, reconciliation and transitional justice.
For further event information, please contact Will Jennings at wjenning@utk.edu.
About the Center for Global Engagement
The Center for Global Engagement works to lead, coordinate and support the university’s strategies for global education, research and engagement. Initiatives include developing and managing international partnerships, welcoming and assisting international students and scholars, providing education abroad opportunities to students and creating international and inter-cultural programming for campus and the broader community.
CONTACT:
Jason Moody (865-974-5752, jmoody9@utk.edu)