New Delhi, February 27: The Department of Economics, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) in collaboration with Office of the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, JMI organised a Special lecture on “Global Health Issues and SDGs”, by Floribert H Mubalama, Founder and CEO, Congolese Integration Network, Honorary Consul, DRC in Washington State, Chief Executive Officer, African Diaspora Development Council and Administrator and Head of Mission, Democratic Republic of Congo Chamber of Commerce on 23-02-2023.
Prof. Asheref Illiyan, Head of the Department of Economics welcomed the speaker and the audience and briefed on the speaker’s profile. He informed the audience that Floribert H Mubalama is known for his dedicated works to humanitarian efforts, community empowerment, global health, sustainable development and international relations. Prof. Muslim Khan, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, chaired the session.
Mr Mubalama began talk by positioning Democratic Republic of Congo and the African continent through a detailed explanation in a historical, geographical, economical and political perspective.He emphasised how DR Congo and its resources are important and integral to world economy and politics. He also mentioned about the colonial aggression and political turmoil which affected there and how people were thrown to misery. By narrating his own story, raised himself for about eight years in a refugee camp, he articulated his journey through activism, leadership, community building and as entrepreneur.
He then explained about Congolese Integration Network, how this NGO in Washington, USA is dedicated for empowering immigrants and refugees by multifaced approach like skill development, poverty alleviation and well being enhancement. He particularly pointed out their three health strategic priorities, which are Robust Integration Pathways, Health Innovation and Technology and Sustainable development and environmental Health. In the first, it aims in integration pathway for refugees and immigration from Africa while the second focus in partnering for innovation in education for cutting edge technology solutions in focus areas such as blue economy, clean power generation and waste management and recycling. The later focus on mainly food security through sustainable agriculture forestry, and environmentally friendly practices.
He then briefed about his other initiatives which he is associated with, like Africa Development council, which foster people to people connections, collaborations and opportunities, DRC chamber of Commerce, which brings financial institutions, public and private sectors to support entrepreneurs. He also mentioned their business collaboration with Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone Ltd, which is going to supply large quantity of medical equipment to DR Congo.
He opined that India is having large potential in manufacturing medical and allied field equipment and has brighter future in this manufacturing sector and should focus more on it.
The lecture was followed by some insightful words by Prof. Muslim Khan, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Khan mostly emphasised the relevance of DR Congo in the present day world citing their distribution of Cobalt and Petroleum products. He also mentioned their international relations which formed out of their resource abundance.
The lecture was attended by faculty members and students from the department. Dr. Vasim and Dr. Kashif Coordinated the event. The programme was concluded by vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Vasim Akram, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, JMI.