The University of Dayton Human Rights Center’s biennial conference Nov. 2-4 will examine inequality, poverty and conflict, among other issues, affecting Africa and people of African descent locally, regionally and globally.

"Our conference seeks to bring together human rights researchers, professionals and advocates to envision and enact positive change politically, economically and culturally in Africa and for people of African descent everywhere, including right in our backyard," said Satang Nabaneh, UD Human Rights Center director of programs. "We welcome participants who can offer new insights, tools, mutual learning and advocacy to reframe and reenergize rights and justice for Africa and communities of African descent.

"Issues of energy, community building, housing, immigrant experiences and others resonate in Dayton and southwest Ohio, the same as in Africa. We hope the convening power of our conference will affect change here and abroad."

Nabaneh added the conference also will be a forum for further discussion about making Dayton a human rights city.

The free conference, as well as the sixth International Conference on the Right to Development, which will be held for the first time outside of Africa, will take place at Daniel J. Curran Place and Kennedy Union on UD's campus. The conference also will have virtual sessions.

Sabelo J. Ndlovu-Gatsheni, chair of epistemologies of the global south with emphasis on Africa at the University of Bayreuth (Germany), and Amara Enyia, chair of the International Working Group for the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, will serve as keynote speakers. 

"Both speakers have extensive experience in African history and politics and will bring a wealth of international perspective to our conference. Their expertise aligns perfectly with the conference's themes, including the role of social movements in decolonization and the right to development," said Natalie Hudson, UD Human Rights Center executive director. "Dr. Ndlovu-Gatsheni will speak on unfinished struggles for liberation while Dr. Enyia will speak on what is our mandate in this moment."

Conference sessions include exploring the complexity of a world of 10 billion people, models for inclusive development prioritizing justice and equity, a clean energy future with access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, and the impact of development projects in Africa, among others. 

"This unique convening of stakeholders creates space for the social practice of human rights; which centers the approaches of diverse communities, including activism, organizing, communications, artistic expressions and reflective conversations," Hudson added.

Visit the conference's All You Need to Know page for a complete schedule and additional information, and to register. The conference's schedule, speakers and topics are subject to change. E-mail hrc@udayton.edu with additional questions.

For interviews, contact Shawn Robinson, associate director of news and communications, at srobinson1@udayton.edu.