By Mutayoba Arbogast
The International Solidarity Network has concluded its African Union Simulation training programme, which was designed for students from STEM schools — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The programme’s lectures and training workshops were held in August 2026 and brought together 120 male and female students from different parts of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The programme included a series of specialised training sessions designed to familiarise students with the work and responsibilities of African Union institutions, as well as decision-making processes and cooperation among African countries. It also aimed to deepen their understanding of contemporary issues and challenges facing Africa through an educational experience that combined theoretical knowledge with practical application through simulation exercises.
The programme focused on three main areas: peace and security, intra-African trade, and African civil society. A team of experts and specialists in African affairs delivered training sessions aimed at helping participants understand how the African Union operates institutionally, as well as the role of different stakeholders in advancing Africa’s development and integration.
The programme opened with a lecture by Ambassador Amr Al-Jowaily, Director of the Directorate of Citizens and Diaspora Organisations at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa. He discussed the role of Africans living outside the continent in contributing to Africa’s development, giving participants a broader understanding of continental cooperation and how it operates.
Peace and Security
The Peace and Security track covered several issues related to conflict management, peacebuilding and strengthening good governance in Africa.
Hasnaa Tammam, African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace for the North Africa region, led a session examining the concepts of conflict, violence and peace.
Hagar Azzouz, meanwhile, conducted a specialised session on the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), as well as the role of these frameworks in strengthening stability and developing mechanisms for conflict prevention.
Dr Heba Assem, a governance and peacebuilding specialist at the African Union Commission, also led a session titled “Silencing the Guns and Building the Future: How Can Young People Contribute to Achieving Africa’s Agenda 2063?”
She discussed the important role of young people in supporting peace and development efforts and strengthening stability across Africa.
Political researcher Ibrahim Tantawy also participated in the track, discussing various issues related to peace and security on the continent.
Economy and Trade
The Economic track focused on opportunities for economic integration among African countries, as well as challenges facing the continent’s economies amid rapid regional and global changes.
Dr Mohamed Hassan Khidery, an expert on African economic affairs, led a session on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its role in promoting trade and economic integration among African countries.
Dr Samar El-Bagoury, an Assistant Lecturer at the Faculty of African Postgraduate Studies, discussed the resilience of African economies and their ability to withstand geopolitical pressures.
Dr Raed Salama, founder of Orbit Research and Economic Studies, examined the impact of current political and geopolitical changes on the global and African economies, including their effects on supply chains across the continent.
ECOSOCC and Civil Society
The programme also included a special track on the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC). The aim was to introduce students to its role in strengthening the participation of civil society organisations and young people in Africa’s cooperation framework.
The track also helped participants understand how non-state actors can contribute to supporting Africa’s development and integration.
Ambassador Mohamed Haroun, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), led a session titled “Towards Informed African Leadership: The Example of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council.”
He explained the Council’s functions and its importance in strengthening social dialogue across Africa.
Farouk Daif, a researcher at the Information and Decision Support Center at the Cabinet and a specialist in African affairs, discussed the role of ECOSOCC in shaping Africa’s future and strengthening the participation of different stakeholders in development issues.
Dr Abdel Latif Gouda, a specialist researcher in international organisations, led a session titled “Introduction to ECOSOCC Accreditation and the Participation of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).”
He explained the accreditation procedures for civil society organisations and the mechanisms through which they can participate in institutions and structures associated with the African Union. This highlighted the important role of such organisations in supporting institutional work and strengthening cooperation among different groups within African society.
Ghazaly on the Programme’s Objectives
Anthropology researcher
Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the International Solidarity Network, which runs the African Union Simulation Programme, said the programme was being implemented as part of the network’s vision of strengthening young Egyptians’ understanding of African affairs.
He said the programme seeks to give young people a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the continent and the mechanisms of cooperation within its institutions.
According to Ghazaly, the initiative contributes to preparing a generation capable of engaging with African affairs through practical knowledge and an understanding rooted in the African context, rather than through colonial perspectives or external views that do not reflect the continent’s unique realities.
He described the model as an inclusive educational platform that gives young people an opportunity to understand decision-making processes within the African Union through a simulation experience combining academic learning with practical training.
Ghazaly said the programme also strengthens young people’s understanding of how continental institutions operate.
He added that the programme aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to become active partners in Africa’s peace, development and integration efforts by combining diplomatic, academic and research experience.
He said the programme offers a unique experience that helps participants develop skills in dialogue, analysis, discussion, vision-building and position-making.
Ghazaly noted that the model goes beyond simply providing information about the African Union and its institutions. It also seeks to help young people understand the common challenges facing the continent and explore opportunities for cooperation and integration among African countries.
Ghazaly praised the programme’s working team, which included researchers and students led by researcher and translator Mervat Sakr, African affairs researcher Abdullah Qazzaz, and Teyam Mohamed, Chairperson of the STEM Schools Students’ Union.
He commended them for their efforts in coordinating the implementation of the programme’s activities and different tracks, saying their work contributed to achieving its educational and training objectives and maximising the benefits gained by participants.
About the African Union Simulation Programme
Established in 2012, the African Union Simulation Model is one of the programmes of the International Solidarity Network.
It aims to strengthen young Egyptians’ understanding of the foundations of African cooperation, familiarise them with African Union institutions and their working procedures, and provide a training platform that combines academic knowledge with practical experience through simulation exercises.
The programme therefore contributes to developing young people’s skills in dialogue, discussion, decision-making and consensus-building.
