Kenya will host the fifth Global Peace Leadership Conference from 25th to 27th June 2024, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi. This year’s conference, held under the auspices of the Global Peace Foundation Kenya (GPF) and the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), is expected to attract over 500 delegates from more than 25 countries, who will seek to identify and share measures toward sustainable peacebuilding, Climate Change, and development efforts.
“GPLC 2024 seeks to shape a prosperous and peaceful future for the continent by engaging government officials, policy-makers, faith leaders, educators, and other stakeholders in a bid to increase social cohesion, interfaith harmony, and partnerships for development among other agendas”, says Daniel Juma, the Executive Director, GPF Kenya.
The conference comes at a critical time when the African continent is plagued by extreme poverty, climate change effects, and armed conflicts which have led to displacement and loss of lives over the decades.
Most recently, the Sudan Crisis shocked the world with allegations of genocide after a video went around on social media of a mass grave, after an alleged massacre in Wad al-Nourah where at least 150 people, including 35 children feared dead. The Rapid Support Forces were blamed for the killings. The Sudan conflict has displaced more than 8 million people since its onset a year ago.
Speaking to the media, Bishop Dr. John Warari, Chair of the GPLC 2024, explained that the event themed, ‘One Family Under God: Empowering African Renaissance as A Global Catalyst For Freedom, Peace, And Sustainable Development’, will recognize and celebrate the richness and diversity of Africa’s cultures, traditions, and contributions to global civilization, thus fostering a sense of pride and self-worth among Africans.
Moreover, the recent floods in Kenya after the worst drought in 20 years which claimed more than 200 people and led to the loss of millions of dollars’ worth of property and livestock are strongly associated with the effects of climate change and environmental degradation. The tree planting exercise of more than 30,000 seedlings at Konza Technopolis scheduled for the first day of the conference underscores the nation’s and conference’s commitment to addressing the climate change crisis.
Ambassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo applauded the fifth Global Peace Leadership conference, pointing out Kenya’s leadership in peacebuilding, environmental revival, and sustainable development in Africa.
“It is time the world realized that a degraded environment equals conflict exacerbated by competition for scarce resources. Discussions need to be had on equitable resource allocation and environmental revival. The best way to have our voices heard by policymakers is to register for the conference and be part of roundtable discussions,” she said.
Fred Muli, Founder of Youth+ Africa says it is important to add the youth in the equation. “I am pleased that the voice of the youth is being heard by being included in this conference. We need to be patient and learn the value of those who came before us, by taking lessons and implementing the ideas.” He further added that he expects the role of the youth to be felt in climate change leadership and environmental sustainability.
Africa has the youngest population globally with a median age of 19. Over 200 million people on the continent are aged between 15-24, representing more than 60% of the population in some countries. On average, youth unemployment is over 20% in Africa, double the world average.
As the continent gears for the upcoming Global Peace Leadership conference, it is important to ask questions on resources for sustainable peace and the role of elders and leaders in giving skills and opportunities to the youth.
