03.11.08

2007/08

Honorable Jean Ping, President-Elect of the African Commission Union on "International Relations and Economic Development in Africa"

On March 11, 2008 CIS welcomed the Honorable Jean Ping, a Gabonese diplomat and politician who is currently the President-elect of the African Commission Union, beginning his duties on April 1. He was previously the Foreign Minister of Gabon from 1999 to 2008. He also served as President of the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly, was Minister for
Foreign Affairs of the Gabonese Republic from 1999 and a Member of Parliament since 1996.

Ping gave an engaging talk which was followed by a dynamic Q & A session which lasted for over an hour. The audience was comprised of academics, students and dignitaries from several African countries. Ping spoke on many African issues including the AU's plans to create a Federation of Africa, the crisis in Darfur, and the hasty resolution by Koffi Annan of the Kenyan fighting. Ping emphasized the fact that only two African nations are currently at war, dispelling misconceptions about the continent. He addressed Africa's economic challenges, China's quietly growing interest in Africa's resources as well as the US's perspective on such a relationship.

This event was the first of many highlighting African issues, and we are delighted that Hon. Ping was able to set the tone with his erudite grasp of Africa.

Here is a link to Hon. Ping's talk and the discussion that followed:

Here is a link to Ping's bio:

Email us at lascis@usc.edu or call (213) 740-0800 to learn more.