Content

While the complex intertwining of colonization and the commercial determinants of health has been noted, there has to date been limited substantive effort to examine these connections and to explore implications for addressing health inequalities within and across states. Using concepts from coloniality theories, which offer tools for understanding the colonial origins of current power inequalities, can enhance efforts to mitigate the impacts of corporate practices on health and sustainable development, while also problematising policy and practice in contemporary public health and global governance. 

In February 2025, the ACORDS project held a symposium to begin to map such synergies and tensions and to initiate work towards an interdisciplinary program of applied research, capable of advancing understanding and informing responses across industry sectors and policy domains.

Key note speaker

Dr Mark Langan / King's College London / A DECOLONIAL PERSPECTIVE ON CONTESTING EUROPE'S UNHEALTHY FOSSIL FUEL INVESTMENTS IN AFRICAN STATES

Presentations: Coloniality across industries and policy domains

Dr Cecília Tomori / Commercial milk formula

Mr Labram Musah / Alcohol

Dr May van Schalkwyk / Pesticides

Panel discussion: Implications for policy and research

Mr Nzama Mbalati / HEALA Food Justice Coalition, SA

Dr Michelle Brear / PRICELESS SA, Wits University