The Global Peace Leadership Conference Africa 2024 (GPLC Africa 2024), held at the Radisson Blu Hotel from June 25-27, 2024, brought together delegates from across the globe to explore pathways to peace, development, and cooperation under the theme "One Family under God: Empowering African Renaissance as a Global Catalyst for Freedom, Peace, and Sustainable Development." The GPLC Africa 2024 sought to promote peace, development, and cooperation grounded in Africa’s unique heritage and spirituality. It underscored the family as an essential agent in this pursuit, highlighting that strong family units foster social cohesion, ethical leadership, and sustainable development.
A significant highlight of the conference was the Family Track, emphasizing the vital role of families in fostering peace and development. This track addressed critical issues such as livelihood, peace, and security while exploring ways to protect, strengthen, and engage the family unit as a cornerstone of societal stability and growth. Speakers highlighted the indispensable role of families in achieving peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development. By empowering women and reinforcing family values, the family track set the stage for a more harmonious and prosperous future for Africa and the world.
While referring to the vision of "One Family under God," Dr. Junsook Moon, chairwoman of Global Peace Women, emphasized that every life is valuable and endowed with inalienable rights and freedoms from God.
"The concept of family is universal and fundamental to this vision," she noted. She called for Africa to lead in preserving faith and family as crucial for peace and prosperity, envisioning an African Renaissance driven by the agency of the African people.
In her address, H.E. Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, former First Lady of Nigeria, implored participants to rediscover the root of community peace and social cohesion. She emphasized that families are the bedrock of society and the key to achieving social cohesion and peace.
"A stable and nurturing family environment leads to peaceful communities," she stated. Mrs. Obasanjo highlighted the indispensable role of women, who serve as nurturers, educators, and leaders within the family and broader society. She called for empowering women through education and economic opportunities, underscoring that "educated and economically independent women can better support their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change."
Ambassador Frederic Ngoga, senior advisor for International Partnerships, African Union reflected on the crises facing both Africa and the world, noting a crisis of value-driven leadership. He stressed the importance of family values in shaping individuals and society.
"Strong family values are fundamental to achieving effective and just governance systems," he remarked.
Ngoga also advocated for "soldiers of peace," individuals armed with compassion, dialogue, and understanding rather than weapons, to lead and advocate for collective interests.
His Royal Highness Sa’Peyi of Garki, Dr. Usman Nga Kupi, highlighted the urgent need to revive family values and traditional leadership under the fear of God to achieve peace and development. He pointed out that "the decline in the family’s role has led to social issues such as immorality, drug abuse, violence, corruption, and terrorism." Dr. Usman called for teaching a worldview based on “true parents, true family, and God's true love” to attain genuine peace and happiness.
Hajjat Shamim Khan, chairperson of the Tanzanian Interfaith Network and former deputy minister for Community Development, Gender, and Children, emphasized the global community's interconnectedness and the strategic imperative of strengthening families.
"Investing in families is investing in the future of the continent and the world," she asserted. She encouraged delegates to engage in dialogue, share ideas, and forge partnerships to achieve the shared vision of peace and sustainable development.
Rev. Canon Rosemary Mbogo, a family counselor and former Provincial Secretary of the Anglican Church of Kenya, spoke passionately about the spiritual and moral foundations that families provide. She shared, "When we invest in our families, we invest in the future of our nation. Families nurture values of empathy, respect, and responsibility, which are essential for peace and development."
Other notable speakers included Mushin Kaduya Nuwagaba, founder and executive director of Allied Muslim Youth Uganda, who emphasized the crucial role of youth in peacebuilding and interfaith cooperation. He highlighted, that empowering the youth with education and leadership skills is essential for fostering a culture of peace and understanding within our communities.
Nadine Maenza, president of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat, also spoke about the importance of religious freedom and its impact on global peace. She stated that ensuring religious freedom is not just a human right but a cornerstone for achieving lasting peace and development.
“It allows diverse communities to coexist harmoniously and contribute to societal progress,” she said.
By reinforcing family values and empowering women and youth, the GPLC Africa 2024 conference cultivated a peaceful and prosperous continent, aligning with the vision of "One Family under God." The Family Track contributed to this vision by advocating for family-centric approaches as vital components of the African Renaissance movement, which seeks to rejuvenate the continent through a renewed sense of identity, cultural pride, and collaborative development. The sessions highlighted how empowered families can act as catalysts for freedom, peace, and sustainable development, aligning with the broader goals of the conference to drive a new era of progress in Africa.
