Reflections from the 2nd ICC Africa Peace Forum

Greetings from Nigeria.

I want to share my experiences at the 2nd ICC Africa Peace Forum, held from 25th to 27th April 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.

As a Positive Peace Activator for West and Central Africa and a speaker at the Forum, this was an important experience for me.

Day One: Culture and Connection

The forum started with a welcome reception at The Vineyard Hotel, followed by the African Queens art exhibition by Chantal Coetzee. The exhibition celebrated African female rulers and highlighted the importance of representation and heritage.

The “Footsteps of Africa” peace tour took us to key locations including the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, St. George’s Cathedral, the Nelson Mandela Exhibition, and Nobel Peace Laureates Square. Each stop reminded us of South Africa’s history of resilience and reconciliation, and Rotary’s role in helping to create peace.

We ended the day with a cocktail evening, connecting with peacebuilders from more than 18 countries. The conversations were meaningful and the shared commitment to peace was clear.

Day Two: Key Topics and Presentations

The second day covered important topics shaping peacebuilding today. We discussed artificial intelligence and peace, examining how AI might help or hinder conflict resolution. We looked at climate change and peace, understanding how environmental issues connect to conflict. We addressed polarisation and ways to build dialogue and solidarity.

I had the opportunity to present on the Eight Pillars of Positive Peace – a framework I work with regularly. Using practical examples, I showed how these pillars can support youth engagement, women’s empowerment, and security structures in Africa. The audience response confirmed that Positive Peace remains relevant in today’s changing world.

I ended my talk with a quote by William Arthur Ward: “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”

I asked the audience: Who will you be – the pessimist, the optimist, or the realist?

DAY 3: Celebrating Freedom and Peace Day

On the final day of the conference celebrating Freedom and Peace Day, we marked South Africa’s Freedom Day with a visit to Century City and the iconic Long March to Freedom.

We planted a Peace Pole bearing the inscription “May Peace Prevail on Earth”, symbolising our collective commitment to sustainable peace, in the presence of Joaquim Chissano, former President of Mozambique and Vice-Chair of the Peace Parks Foundation. He has supported peace park development in Southern Africa since its early days and led Mozambique to peace and democracy during his presidency (1986–2005).

Final Thoughts

This forum was more than a conference. It was a call to action where dialogue led to partnerships and ideas became plans.

Although my time in Cape Town was brief, it was deeply impactful. I particularly appreciated the insightful presentation by #JacoLondt, the Minister of Social Development for the Western Cape. The conference fostered meaningful connections, inspiring discussions, and a renewed sense of purpose.

As I departed, I carried with me the memories of a remarkable experience and the hope for a more peaceful future.

To my fellow peacebuilders: let’s keep working together.
A Peaceful Africa is indeed possible.

About the 2nd ICC Africa Peace Forum

The 2nd ICC Africa Peace Forum brought together over 150 delegates from more than 18 countries, including Rotary leaders, peace practitioners, and community partners, under the theme “Bridging Cultures, Building Positive Peace”. Honouring Africa’s legacy of peacebuilding, the forum served as a platform for collaboration, education, and action, reinforcing Rotary’s ongoing commitment to global peace and intercultural understanding.