This year, South Africa made headlines globally, marking 30 years of democracy. In May, millions exercised their right to vote in the country’s 7th general elections since the advent of democracy, reaffirming South Africa’s resilience and enduring commitment to democratic values.
This milestone is not just a celebration of democracy but also a reflection of the ongoing struggle against the legacies of apartheid and systemic inequality.
Against this backdrop, the University of the Western Cape (UWC), an institution deeply rooted in social justice, is honoured to host the Sixth World Conference on Remedies to Racial and Social Inequality, from September 3-5, 2024.
On September 4th, Professor Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector and activist on social justice, constitutionalism, human rights, good governance, and the rule of law, is expected to be the keynote speaker.
The Sixth World Conference will take place at UWC’s Bellville Campus in Cape Town, South Africa.
This conference, which offers both in-person and virtual participation, is set to bring together academic, policy, and community leaders from across the globe, including representatives from North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The aim is to share research, ideas, remedies and practical solutions to address the deeply rooted issue of systemic inequality that plagues societies worldwide.
UWC provides a fitting venue for this critical global dialogue. The conference’s co-hosts, UWC’s Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) and the Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice at the University of Minnesota, along with the Sixth World Conference on Racial and Social Inequality International Advisory Board, underscore the event's significance.
These collaborations reflect a shared mission to identify and implement effective remedies for inequality.
Professor Michelle Esau, Dean of the EMS Faculty at UWC, said, "Given the history of our university within the context of struggle, I think it's just so fitting that we host this conference of this nature."
She added, "It’s so important to have a conversation that now transcends the problem to solutions."
Professor Samuel L. Myers Jr, the Director and Professor of the Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, applauded the relationship between the two universities.
“The University of Minnesota has a long-standing relationship with the University of the Western Cape going back to almost the founding days of UWC, partly in the science and research on crops and agriculture, but also with respect to the continued commitment of democracy, management to public administration and government,“ he said.
The Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice, named after the esteemed American civil rights leader, is dedicated to finding solutions to racial and ethnic inequality through research, dialogue, and community partnerships.
The Center’s involvement ensures that the conference will be guided by a legacy of advocacy, focusing on developing actionable solutions to racism and social injustice.
The conference will feature a comprehensive agenda, tackling issues across policy, education, economics, and social systems. Topics to be discussed include:
The solutions crafted at this conference could influence policy and action for years, making it a must-attend event for those committed to social justice and systemic change.
The link for the programme can be found here
This milestone is not just a celebration of democracy but also a reflection of the ongoing struggle against the legacies of apartheid and systemic inequality.
Against this backdrop, the University of the Western Cape (UWC), an institution deeply rooted in social justice, is honoured to host the Sixth World Conference on Remedies to Racial and Social Inequality, from September 3-5, 2024.
On September 4th, Professor Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector and activist on social justice, constitutionalism, human rights, good governance, and the rule of law, is expected to be the keynote speaker.
The Sixth World Conference will take place at UWC’s Bellville Campus in Cape Town, South Africa.
This conference, which offers both in-person and virtual participation, is set to bring together academic, policy, and community leaders from across the globe, including representatives from North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The aim is to share research, ideas, remedies and practical solutions to address the deeply rooted issue of systemic inequality that plagues societies worldwide.
UWC provides a fitting venue for this critical global dialogue. The conference’s co-hosts, UWC’s Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) and the Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice at the University of Minnesota, along with the Sixth World Conference on Racial and Social Inequality International Advisory Board, underscore the event's significance.
These collaborations reflect a shared mission to identify and implement effective remedies for inequality.
Professor Michelle Esau, Dean of the EMS Faculty at UWC, said, "Given the history of our university within the context of struggle, I think it's just so fitting that we host this conference of this nature."
She added, "It’s so important to have a conversation that now transcends the problem to solutions."
Professor Samuel L. Myers Jr, the Director and Professor of the Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, applauded the relationship between the two universities.
“The University of Minnesota has a long-standing relationship with the University of the Western Cape going back to almost the founding days of UWC, partly in the science and research on crops and agriculture, but also with respect to the continued commitment of democracy, management to public administration and government,“ he said.
The Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice, named after the esteemed American civil rights leader, is dedicated to finding solutions to racial and ethnic inequality through research, dialogue, and community partnerships.
The Center’s involvement ensures that the conference will be guided by a legacy of advocacy, focusing on developing actionable solutions to racism and social injustice.
The conference will feature a comprehensive agenda, tackling issues across policy, education, economics, and social systems. Topics to be discussed include:
- Climate Change and COVID-19: Exploring the impact on economic, educational, medical, and social disparities among racial and ethnic minorities.
- Wealth and Poverty: Analysing the changing nature of wealth, structural poverty, and employment, as well as inequality regimes and state policies.
- Sustainable Development: Addressing social inequality within the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework.
- Gender Inequality: Highlighting the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence and the systemic barriers faced by women and marginalised genders.
- Digital Oppression: Investigating the role of technology in perpetuating inequality and exploring ways to ensure equitable access to digital resources.
- Environmental Justice: Discussing the intersection of energy, environment, climate change, and inequality, focusing on food and water security.
- Spatial Inequality: Examining housing, spatial exclusion, and the uneven mobilities reinforcing social disparities.
The solutions crafted at this conference could influence policy and action for years, making it a must-attend event for those committed to social justice and systemic change.
The link for the programme can be found here
