Global Shifts and New Pathways: Revitalising Pakistan-South Africa Relations in a Changing World – University of Johannesburg

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has reaffirmed its position as a leader in fostering intercultural collaboration and strengthening international relations. Earlier this month, UJ’s Qatar-South Africa Centre for Peace and Intercultural Understanding (CPIU) situated within the Faculty of Humanities partnered with the Pakistan High Commission in South Africa, the OLAM Africa Research Institute, and the Department of Politics and International Relations to host a high-level diplomatic dialogue.
The event, titled Global Shifts and New Pathways: Revitalising Pakistan-South Africa Relations in a Changing World, took place at the UJ APK Library and via Zoom. The dialogue brought together diplomatic representatives, academic experts, policymakers, students, and civil society actors from both nations. Together, they critically examined the evolving bilateral relationship against the backdrop of a rapidly shifting global order.
The hybrid event featured three thematic panel discussions. Participants explored crucial topics such as diplomacy and governance, trade and investment, and people-to-people integration through diaspora and mobility systems. The discussions focused heavily on how contemporary geopolitical and economic shifts are reshaping global systems, while identifying fresh opportunities for strategic cooperation between Pakistan and South Africa.
By creating a space that connects academic research with real-world diplomatic processes, the event provided students and emerging scholars with valuable exposure to international policy discussions.
The organizers and partners shared insights on the significance of the dialogue and the future of bilateral relations:
 “The event reflected a highly constructive and meaningful engagement,” said Professor Erin McCandless, Director of the CPIU. “It speaks to a clear desire among people across sectors, disciplines, and communities to discuss the issues that bring South Africa and Pakistan together, to work through shared challenges, and to reflect on the aspirations that can strengthen the relationship. It also highlights the importance of deepening collaboration between two middle powers that are already making a difference in the world.”
Representing the diplomatic community, His Excellency Malik Muhammad Farooq, Pakistan High Commissioner to South Africa, emphasized the historical ties and future economic potential between the two countries:
 “Our relationship with South Africa is founded on deep goodwill and a shared history. The opportunity before us is to transform this strong foundation into a result-oriented partnership in trade, investment, education, culture, sports, and multilateral diplomacy. At a time of global uncertainty, Pakistan and South Africa, as important voices of the Global South, have a vital role to play in promoting diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation.”
Professor Adeoye Akinola from the Department of Politics and International Relations at UJ noted the broader global context of the discussion:
“The dialogue reignites the reality of the evolution of a new international order and reinforces the strategic importance of multilateralism as the bedrock of global peace and prosperity. It historicises Pakistan-South African relations and nuances the prospects and challenges of the bilateral partnerships.”
Beyond formal state diplomacy, the speakers highlighted the vital role that everyday citizens and researchers play in sustaining international ties.
Dr. Abdulla Moaswes, a researcher at the CPIU and the Afro-Middle-East Centre, noted the value of bringing diverse groups together:
 “It was good to bring together students, academics, members of the diplomatic community, and the government to discuss several cross-cutting themes, key among them the role the two countries are currently playing in international diplomacy, the role of bilateral trade and investment, and the importance of diaspora and diversity within South Africa.”
Dr. Margaret Monyani, Executive Director of the OLAM Africa Research Institute, drew attention to the local impact of the Pakistani diaspora:
“For me, the event today was about showing the importance of relationships at both the business and diplomatic level, but most importantly at the everyday community level, because a lot of Pakistanis operate within communities in South Africa.”
Reflecting on the educational impact of the dialogue, student participant Andiswa Maluleka concluded:
“The event reminded us that people to people connections are just as vital as government relations in building lasting partnerships between our two countries.”
Through this successful collaboration, the University of Johannesburg continues to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to driving impactful, policy-oriented research and intercultural engagement across the Global South.
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