By Peter Ochieng
Kenya will host this year’s edition of the Global Peace Leadership Conference (GPLC). The three-day conference in Nairobi, will run from June 25 to June 27, 2024.
It is expected to bring together delegates from Africa and around the World, to explore and discuss ways to promote peace, development, and cooperation.
It is being organized by among other stakeholders, the Global Peace Foundation Kenya (GPFK) and the Inter-Religious Council Of Kenya (IRCK).
According to gplcafrica.org, the conference seeks to meet various objectives, including promoting an African renaissance that draws on Africa’s unique heritage, and the strength of its spirituality and traditional values; empowering African leadership; strengthening intercontinental partnerships, and cultivating ethical global citizenship.
“Through engaging plenary sessions, GPLC Africa 2024 seeks to inspire, unite, and empower the people of Africa to shape a prosperous and peaceful future for the continent. The conference will engage policymakers, educators, faith leaders, government officials and other stakeholders to identify and share measures toward sustainable peace building and development efforts, evaluate and advance peace and development frameworks, and develop community-oriented actions,” reads a statement on the website.
President William Ruto and opposition leader, Raila Odinga, who is gunning for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship are among leaders invited to address the conference.
Event organizers says expected outcomes include increased social cohesion, improved interfaith leadership, and partnerships, and launching of ongoing programs and projects.
Kenya’s selection as the venue for the Conference, the organizers say, is a testament to its pivotal role in fostering dialogue and action on global challenges.
“The country has been at the forefront of addressing critical issues such as peace and security, climate change, sustainable exploitation of marine resources through the Blue Economy, transforming education, and advocating for equitable representation in international affairs.”
They add that Kenya’s commitment to peace building, particularly in the Great Lakes Region, has been demonstrated through its efforts to mediate and resolve conflicts in neighboring countries, contributing to regional stability and security.
Kenya last hosted the conference in 2010, during Kenya’s third President, Mwai Kibaki’s time in office. Nigeria (2013), Zanzibar (2015) and Uganda (2018) are the other three African countries to have played host.