UoN hosted the EU-AU Module Summer School on Regional Integration and Global Governance
The University of Nairobi, through the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, successfully hosted the EU-AU Module Summer School, bringing together leading scholars, diplomats, policymakers, and students for an intensive programme examining the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) regional integration models.
Held over five days, 6th – 10th, July, 2026, the Summer School provided a platform for Comparative Analysis of the European Union and African Union Regional Integration Models. It aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping cooperation between Africa and Europe while equipping the next generation of diplomats and policymakers with practical analytical and negotiation skills.
The Summer School was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Prof. Jack Odhiambo, representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ayub N. Gitau, while the keynote address was delivered by H.E. Amb. Caitríona Ingoldsby, Ambassador of Ireland and President of the Council of the European Union.
Throughout the week, participants engaged with distinguished experts from the University of Nairobi and partner institutions, including AfriquEurope, the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM), Good Governance Africa, the Africa Policy Institute, and Maastricht University. Discussions explored the historical foundations of regional integration, governance and institutional frameworks within the EU and AU, the implications of rising nationalism, Africa’s agency in global affairs, the rise of China, regional peace and security, trade diplomacy, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Environmental sustainability also featured prominently, with sessions examining climate change mitigation, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and plastic pollution. These discussions highlighted the growing significance of environmental governance within regional integration and sustainable development agendas.
The programme adopted an interactive learning approach through panel discussions, debates, plenary sessions, and multilateral negotiation simulations. Students actively participated in structured debates on emerging geopolitical issues before taking part in negotiation exercises centred on the EU Directive on Single Plastics Use and the EU-East African Community Economic Partnership Agreement, providing valuable practical experience in diplomacy and international negotiations.
Speaking during one of the panel discussions, Prof. Amb. Maria Nzomo observed that while both the European Union and African Union continue to pursue regional integration, their historical experiences and development trajectories remain distinct.
“Regional integration has faced challenges. Comparison is quite far-fetched as we have differences that won’t make us identical or similar. There’s no one coming from outside to save our continent.” Her remarks reinforced the need for African-led solutions and strengthened continental cooperation in addressing shared development and governance challenges.
The Summer School reaffirmed the University of Nairobi’s commitment to advancing excellence in teaching, research, and international engagement by creating platforms that connect academia with policy and practice. Through partnerships with regional and international institutions, the University continues to nurture globally minded graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to diplomacy, regional cooperation, and sustainable development.
