On May 9^th 2023, CERiM will host its second Jean Monnet lecture of this academic delivered by Philomena Apiko, head of AU-EU relations at The European Centre for Development Policy Management. 

“The Future of Africa-EU relations” lecture will take place on the 9^th of May, from 18.30 till 20.00, at the Turnzaal, GG90-92, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Maastricht university. You can register here.

As the world is facing crisis after crisis; i.e Covid 19, wars, energy and food shortages, etc. Philomena’s lecture will focus on the relations between AU and EU. She will highlight the potential that lies in this partnership, its limitations, and the tensions that arose in light of continuous crises. 

About the Speaker: Philomena specialises in AU-EU relations, AU reforms, trade and regional integration, gender, governance, democracy and human rights, and international law and justice.

She obtained her LL.B. and LL.M. in human rights law from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. As well as a master’s degree in international law and economics from the World Trade Institute in Bern.

Her work experience has predominantly been in non-governmental organisations (NGOs). In South Africa, she worked as a legal researcher at the Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre in Johannesburg from 2011-2012 where she co-wrote submissions to parliament with the in-house attorney. Submissions she worked on include: the Muslims Marriages Bill, Traditional Courts Bill, and Protection from Harassment Regulations.

She also worked on other issues in connection with domestic violence, especially the use of protection orders.  In addition, she worked as a consultant for other NGOs like the Amanitare Sexual Rights Network. Prior to joining ECDPM, Philomena worked as a legal researcher at Ditshwanelo – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights.