Center for Africana Studies

Welcome to the 2026 SEMAU Conference

The Southeast Model African Union (SEMAU) is a three-day conference organized annually by the University System of Georgia Africa Council. It simulates the African Union’s meeting of Heads of State, giving participants the opportunity to engage in diplomacy, debate, and problem-solving on issues impacting the African continent. Kennesaw State University is proud to host the 2026 conference, taking place November 5 through 7.

Registration
Agenda
Rules
Hotel Information

Registration

Registration Deadline: October 9, 2026

Each country delegation may include up to six delegates. Registration fees are:

First Country Delegation: $500
Each Additional Country Delegation: $400

The registration fee covers up to six delegates within a single delegation.

Conference Observers are Welcome!

Middle school and high school observers are welcome to join the conference in person. Please register here by October 9th: Observers Registration Form

If observers choose to dine during the conference, please note that meals will be available at The Commons. Payment is due upon entry.

Observers may also join via TEAMS to observe the following Committees: Peace & Security. Social Matters. A conference link will be sent to all registrants by November 4th.

Agenda and Program

Agenda of the 2026 Southeast Model African Union

Theme: Advancing Africa’s Blue Economy and Technological Future: Water Security, Artificial Intelligence, Resilience, and Sustainable Development.

The theme is modeled after the African Union’s 2026 focus on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems as key priorities under Agenda 2063. It also reflects concerns over the impacts of the fast-developing new Artificial Intelligence technology on Africa’s future. The theme connects issues of peace and security, governance, climate resilience, public health, economic development, migration, regional integration, and others. It allows each committee to approach the theme from its own perspective while still maintaining strong overall conference cohesion.

Each committee is required to submit not more than two (2) draft resolutions to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

Executive Council
The Executive Council will deliberate on committee outcomes and submit a report to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
- Crisis: Addressing Conflict, Humanitarian Instability, and Regional Security
- Sub-Topics:
  - Health Epidemic Outbreaks and Human Security
  - International Competition for Critical Minerals in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Committee On Democracy, Governance And Human Rights
- Topic: Human Rights and Democratic Governance in Africa
- Sub-Topics:
  - Strengthening democratic institutions and protection of fundamental human rights
  - Addressing persistent pre- and post-election violence
Committee On Economic Matters
- Topic: Building Africa’s Blue Economy Through Sustainable Development and Innovation
- Sub-Topics:
  - Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Technology in Africa’s development
  - Sustainable development of water resources: Implementing the Luanda Declaration on African Blue Economy and the AU African Blue Economy Strategy (ABES)
Committee On Social Matters
- Topic: Public Health, and Social Equity in Africa
- Sub-Topics:
  - Combating health epidemics across Africa
  - Addressing social inequality and youth unemployment
Committee On The Environment and Climate Change
- Topic: Advancing Climate Resilience and Environmental Justice Across Africa
- Sub-Topics:
  - Addressing environmental justice challenges: Resource extraction; Climate vulnerability; Food sovereignty, and Grassroots leadership
  - Amplifying the voices of women, youth and rural communities in climate governance
Committee On Peace And Security
- Topic: Climate Change, Water Insecurity, and Human Security in Africa
- Sub-Topics:
  - Climate-induced Conflicts
  - Regional Cooperation and Conflicts on Shared Water Resources
Assembly Of Heads Of State And Government
The Assembly will serve as the final decision-making body.
- Debate and review committee resolutions
- Adopt final resolutions

Additional Resources

Rules of Procedure

The following rules govern all SEMAU proceedings. In cases of dispute, the Chair’s interpretation is final unless overturned by appeal.

General Rules
- English is the official language of all sessions.
- Delegations may speak other languages only if translation is provided.
- Each Member State participates in the Assembly and is represented on these committees:
  - Executive Council
  - Committee on Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights
  - Committee on Economic Matters
  - Committee on Social Matters
  - Committee on Peace and Security
  - Committee on Environment and Climate Change
- Seating is arranged in alphabetical order.
- Additional bodies may be created with Assembly approval.
Faculty Advisors and Consultants
- Appointed by the Secretariat to support all delegates
- Assist chairs and ensure sessions run smoothly
- Do not vote or participate in debate
- Help maintain fairness, preparation standards, and conference integrity
Officers
- Appointed by the SEMAU Directors
- Must attend orientations and fulfill assigned duties
- Work with faculty and the Secretariat to manage proceedings
- Committee and Council officers may temporarily step down to speak as delegates
- Assembly officers may not represent delegations in Assembly debate
Agenda Overview
- Committees consider only assigned topics
- Each committee produces one consolidated resolution
- The Executive Council focuses on crisis response
- The Assembly:
  - Reviews committee resolutions
  - Adopts final outcomes
  - Does not debate the Executive Council report
Debate and Procedures
- Delegates must be recognized by the Chair to speak
- Remarks must remain relevant to the topic
- Points of Order may interrupt speakers; other points may not
- Motions (e.g., suspend session, adjourn, close debate) follow established precedence
- Caucuses (moderated and unmoderated) are permitted under time limits
Voting
- Each Member State has one vote per body
- Committee decisions: Simple majority
- Executive Council decisions: Two-thirds majority
- Assembly decisions: Two-thirds majority (no abstentions)
- Voting is typically by placard unless a roll call is requested
Resolutions and Amendments
- Delegations may sponsor draft resolutions on assigned topics
- Amendments must be relevant and follow procedural rules
- Friendly amendments require full sponsor agreement
- Committees debate and vote before forwarding resolutions to the Assembly
Assembly Procedures
- Committee resolutions are automatically introduced
- Limited debate occurs on amendments and final adoption
- Delegations must vote yes or no (no abstentions)
- Motions to reconsider or alter procedure are restricted
Crisis Simulation and Home Government
- A Home Government (faculty-led) provides guidance and crisis updates
- Delegations must follow Home Government instructions
- The Executive Council leads crisis response coordination
Awards and Recognition
Awards are presented in several categories, including:
- Outstanding Delegate (Committee level)
- Honorable Mention Delegate
- Outstanding Delegation
- Honorable Mention Outstanding Delegation
- Chair Awards (including Eustace Palmer Award)
- Honorable Mention Chair's Award
- SEMAU Director’s Service Award
- Honorable Mention Officers Award
All delegates receive certificates of participation.
Parliamentary Authority

Rules not covered here will follow Robert’s Rules of Order (Revised).

Download Complete Rules of Procedure (PDF)

Hotel Information

SEMAU 2026 attendees are encouraged to stay at our official conference hotels:

Hampton Inn By Hilton Atlanta Kennesaw
3405 Busbee Drive,
Kennesaw, GA, 30144, US
770-728-8245

Conference Rates: $155.00

One Bedroom (King)
One Bedroom (Two Doubles)

Booking Deadline: October 5, 2026

Stay Details

Group Name: SEMAU Conference
Conference Dates: November 4–7, 2026

Reserve your hotel room

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Atlanta Kennesaw
3399 Town Point Dr NW,
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Phone: 770-218-5550

Conference Rates: $129.00

One Bedroom Suite (King)
One Bedroom Suite (Two Doubles)

Booking Deadline: October 4, 2026

Stay Details

Group Name: SEMAU Conference
Conference Dates: November 4–7, 2026

Reserve Your Hotel Room

Venue Information

SEMAU 2026 will be held at the KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Dr NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Ground transportation to The Commons, KSU's main campus, 1000 Chastain Rd., Kennesaw, GA 30144, will be provided during lunch hours, 11:30am - 1:00pm on 11/5 & 11/6. Should special accommodations be required, please contact, Saundra Rogers, 470-578-2429, as soon as possible.

Looking forward to welcoming you to our campus in November!