Nikita Hiralal

Doctoral Candidate in Development Studies at the University of Cambridge interrogating the relationship between food security and conflict. Former Programme Officer in the Special Projects Department at the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD). Primary work streams included Researcher to the Executive Director of ACCORD and conceptualisation, strategy and implementation of the ACCORD Global Peace initiative. Experience in conflict management and mitigation, with a focus on urban and African conflicts. Graduated Masters Cum Laude in International Studies from Stellenbosch University with a thesis focus on Internet Governance and Cyber-Security. Recipient of Cambridge-Africa Scholarship, awarded to outstanding applicants from sub-Saharan Africa to pursue full-time postgraduate degrees in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. Adopted as a scholarship student by the Mitsubishi UFJ Scholarship Foundation to enrol in Sophia University’s (上智大学) Graduate Programme in Global Studies in Tokyo, Japan. Recipient of Stellenbosch University Undergraduate Merit Bursary for 2009 and 2012, and Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Merit Bursary for 2015. Selected to attend the South African Government’s Department for International Relations and Co-operation’s: Women’s Capacity Building Programme on Conflict Resolution, Mediation and Negotiation.