Rhodes Politics Masters student, Shingirai Maparura is proud to be the only delegate from Sub-Saharan Africa at a prestigious International Youth Leadership conference in December last year.
“I was so challenged and so, so honoured to represent my continent. I think I represented us well,” she said.
“I am so enriched from this experience. It’s not just something to put on your CV. It’s so much more than an extra bullet point! I am now better equipped as a person, as a Rhodes student and future leader,” she added.
This dynamic and erudite young woman was fortunate to attend the intense five-day conference in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai which she describes as “ridiculously perfect”.
The greater portion of the academic programme was allocated to simulations emulating meetings such as the UN General Assembly or World Bank Summit. Shingirai’s thesis (due to be completed this year) examines international relations and human security in Southern Africa, and includes an analysis of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).
She says it was a real eye-opener for her to realise the complex decision-making protocols involved in the policy making process. At the international level decisions are often made on behalf of millions of people and according to stringent policies, this in turn delays the outcome, often to the frustration of those in need.
“It gives me perspective on the steps taken to pass policy, so much more happens before [Secretary-General] Ban Khi-Moon gets up to speak or CNN makes a news report. Global governance institutions are often criticised for their slow pace, but now that I have considered the policy and decision making processes, I am more appreciative of the complexities involved” she said.
After undergoing a rigorous selection process remarking how “it was tough to promote myself” - including submitting essays and a profile of her leadership activities, Maparura was selected out of over 100 applicants.
At around €1200, the conference fee was not to be sneezed at so she was most grateful to receive funding from the International, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Humanities offices. The 23rd of its kind, the conference is usually held in the Czech Republic, with 2011 being the first time in Dubai, running concurrently with the conference in Prague.
Around 40 students from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Switzerland and Egypt, among others, attended so it was particularly rewarding and interesting to exchange notes. But with topics such as the global credit crisis, environmental security and Shar’iah law, there was not a lot of time for socialising as some days ended at 11pm.
There was a great deal of talk around misconceptions held about certain nations propagated by the media, the greater discussions surrounding America and Pakistan, which had the largest delegations. Foreign policy was another hot topic, “I found that a lot of Americans are not aware of the USA’s policy regarding Africa and the far reaching effects it has on the people of Africa. I challenged them, as scholars and researchers, to find out more,” she said.
As a Zimbabwean living in South Africa for the last six years, Shingirai was proud to represent both countries. By talking to the other delegates she could get a sense of how they live and think, which brought about a greater understanding.
“We no longer live in a world where it’s just your world, your experience. Globalisation presents a different set of challenges for leaders in the 21st century, as the world has become shared, and experiences shared, conferences such as these better equip us young leaders to navigate these challenges, debunking prejudices and enriching our human experience,” she concluded.
Photo and story by Anna-Karien Otto