05.11.2025 / News
Addis Ababa, 5 November 2025 — Between 5 and 6 November, the Center for Global Affairs and Postdevelopment (C-GAP) of the Făgăraș Research Institute participates in the international conference Africa’s rising influence: Advancing agency in foreign policy and global governance, represented by Dr. Ștefan Cibian, in Addis Ababa.
Organized by Africa Programme of the Chatham House, The Royal Institute of International Affairs, in partnership with Amani Africa and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the conference brings together opinion leaders, government officials, diplomats, and academic experts from Africa and across the world to discuss the continent’s growing role in shaping global governance.
Global context: a pivotal moment for Africa’s influence
Africa is strengthening its position in global governance. The African Union’s entry into the G20, efforts to reform the global governance system, and the development of African-led peace and security frameworks highlight a momentum of ongoing transformations.
This strategic shift takes place amidst a complex landscape marked by multipolarity, intra-regional rivalries, and structural vulnerabilities, underscoring the need to reinforce cooperation and collective bargaining power. The conference is held ahead of the G20 summit in Johannesburg — the first to take place on African soil.
Key topics include:
- navigating a multipolar world and balancing relations with emerging and established powers;
- reforming the global financial system and promoting inclusive growth;
- strengthening Africa’s peace and security architecture;
- advancing climate diplomacy and African soft power.
FRI’s C-GAP contribution: strengthening the role of think tanks in foreign policy
On 6 November, Dr. Ștefan Cibian will join the roundtable “Strengthening the role of think tanks in foreign policy formation.” Discussions will explore:
- the role of think tanks in shaping evidence-based foreign policy;
- safeguarding intellectual independence in a context of global disinformation and polarization;
- innovative and sustainable funding and collaboration models;
- cross-continental partnerships to amplify regional perspectives in global debates.
The participation of C-GAP from the Făgăraș Research Institute in this international dialogue highlights the Institute’s commitment to contributing to global conversations on governance, diplomacy, and development, as well as strengthening links between the EU, Central and Eastern Europe, and African partners.
More details about the conference are available on the organizer’s official website: Chatham House.
About Chatham House
Chatham House – The Royal Institute of International Affairs is one of the world’s leading policy institutes, established in 1920 in London. It is renowned for high-quality research, strategic analysis, and convening global leaders to address critical international challenges. Chatham House serves as an independent platform for dialogue among policymakers, experts and civil society, and is widely known for the Chatham House Rule, which fosters open discussion and the free exchange of ideas during its events.
Departments: The Research Department; Policy Analysis and Outreach Department; Center on Global Affairs and Postdevelopment; Society, Crisis and Resilience.
Themes: Leadership; Foreign Policy and Diplomacy; Public Policy; International Relations; Security and peacebuilding; International Development; Economy and Trade.