President William Ruto is expected to lead and host this year’s global peace conference in Nairobi.
More than 500 delegates from around the world including top government officials are expected at the fete planned for June 25 to June 27.
The fifth Global Peace Leadership Conference (GPLC) in Africa is set to be graced by notable figures including Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde.
The Global Peace Foundation Kenya (GPF) and the Inter-Religious Council Of Kenya (IRCK) are the lead organisers.
They hope to unite leaders, visionaries, and change-makers from 25 countries to discuss critical issues around freedom, peace and sustainable development in Africa.
President Ruto, who is hailed as a beacon for African renaissance and unity, is expected to give a keynote address at the event.
ODM leader Raila Odinga is expected to also address the closing ceremony – subject to his availability in the face of his busy AU commission chair campaigns.
Daniel Juma, the executive director of Global Peace Foundation Kenya, said the event will focus on ways to promote peace, development and cooperation.
“This year’s conference 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,” he said.
“We aim to forge interfaith harmony and partnerships for development among other agendas,” Juma added.
Key objectives of the conference include promoting an African renaissance by recognising the continent’s unique heritage and traditional values.
It also aims to strengthen ties among African states “by cultivating positive and ethical global citizenship.”
There will be various plenary sessions on sustainable peace-building and development efforts.
Organisers say the participants will also evaluate and advance peace and development frameworks while encapsulating community-oriented actions and programs.
The event will be held under the theme: ‘One Family Under God: Empowering African Renaissance As A Global Catalyst For Freedom, Peace And Sustainable Development’.
Bishop John Warari, the chair of the GPLC 2024, said the forum will provide a platform for emerging and established African leaders including the youth to share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions.
“This will enable them to address pressing challenges on the continent around peace and sustainable development while contributing to the continent’s progress,” Dr Warari said.
Key highlights of the meeting would be a tree planting exercise at Konza Technopolis - as part of GPLC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and Kenya’s reforestation efforts.
More than 30,000 seedlings are expected to be planted “symbolising a shared responsibility for a greener future in Kenya and Africa.”
