The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), together with the United Nations Development Programme in Pretoria (UNDP) and the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship (CAS), hosted a book launch for the recently published book titled “Boutros Boutros-Ghali: Afro-Arab Prophet, Pharaoh, and Pope”, authored by Professor Adekeye Adebajo, a Senior Research Fellow at the CAS.
The book is the first historical biography in English to be published on Egyptian scholar-diplomat Boutros Boutros-Ghali, the first African and first Arab to occupy the post of UN Secretary-General. Boutros-Ghali held the office in the momentous five post-Cold War years (1992-1996), massively expanding UN peacekeeping and leading intellectual debates on development, democratisation, and human rights.
The book launch event featured a keynote address by Professor Adebajo, a discussion with Mr Zaheer Laher, Acting Deputy Director-General: Global Governance and Continental Agenda at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Pretoria, and a chairing by Dr Ayodele Odusola, Resident Representative of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa.
The event was attended by a number of dignitaries, including representatives from the South African government, the United Nations, and the academic community. It was a lively and informative discussion about the life and legacy of Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and the book itself was praised by all who attended.
Key Quotes
“Boutros Boutros-Ghali was a towering figure in international diplomacy,” said Professor Adebajo. “He was a visionary leader who helped to shape the post-Cold War world.”
“This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the United Nations,” said Mr Laher. “It is a well-researched and insightful account of Boutros-Ghali’s life and work.”
“Boutros Boutros-Ghali was a true pioneer,” said Dr Odusola. “He broke down barriers and paved the way for other Africans and Arabs to achieve great things in the world.”
