A Word from the General Commissioner

A WORD FROM THE GENERAL COMMISSIONER

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ABIDJAN BORDER FORUM, A MUST-ATTEND EVENT FOR BORDER STAKEHOLDERS IN AFRICA AND WORLDWIDE.

Since the launch of the African Union’s Border Program in 2007, it has become imperative to create a platform that gives stakeholders the opportunity to share their experiences on border management. Indeed, borders are now central to the security and development concerns of States, and represent their future.

The ABIDJAN BORDER forum therefore aims to establish an inclusive framework for discussion of border governance, between academics, practitioners and civil society. Cross-cutting issues such as security, the development of border zones, the free movement of goods and people, and the integration of peoples will be addressed.

The first edition, successfully held from October 18 to 20, 2022 in Abidjan-Plateau, welcomed over 3,000 participants from all over the world, on the theme of borders and collective security, and led to the unanimous decision by participants to make Abidjan the border capital of Africa, with the forum being held every two years.

The second edition, to be held from October 23 to 25, 2024 at the Parc des Expositions in Abidjan, on the theme of “Green Borders: between shared natural resources and security challenges”, reflects the sustained evolution and commitment of border stakeholders to topical issues such as climate change, the environment and sustainable development. We are expecting over 5,000 visitors this time, a sign of the growing importance of this global event.

This edition also offers the possibility of purchasing and running stands, a unique opportunity for promoters to showcase their innovations to an international audience, thus benefiting from increased visibility and potential strategic partnerships. This initiative will contribute not only to strengthening regional and international cooperation, but also to shaping the future of border policies in an ever-changing global context.

I would therefore like to express my sincere gratitude to the African Union for having decided to co-organize this edition with us, to the members of the scientific committee, headed by Mr. Ousmane ZINA, Associate Professor of Political Science at Université Alassane Ouattara – Bouaké, and to the members of the organizing committee for their dedication and meticulous preparation.

Planned activities include high-level conferences, exhibitions, panel discussions, B-to-B meetings and specialist papers, all focusing on the complex challenges of collective security and sustainable border management.

Our long-term aim is for the Abidjan Border Forum to become, with everyone’s help, a global crossroads for border governance, promoting peace, security and socio-economic development through concerted, effective initiatives.

I therefore wish you all an enriching and fruitful experience, marking a milestone in the transformation of borders into spaces of cooperation and sustainable prosperity.

Diakalidia Konaté

Senior Prefect

General Commissioner of the forum