Thika, Kenya | 26–31 January 2026
Global Peace Foundation (GPF) is actively participating in the ongoing East Africa Sports Diplomacy and “Play for Peace” Youth Tournament, being held from 26th to 31st January 2026 at Zetech University, Mang’u Campus. The tournament brings together young people from across Africa, harnessing the unifying power of sport to advance peace, dialogue, and regional cooperation.
The event convenes youth from diverse cultural and national backgrounds, using sports as a platform not only for competition, but also for cross-cultural understanding, leadership development, and peacebuilding. Beyond the playing field, participants are engaging in conversations on unity, shared values, and the role of young people as catalysts for positive social change across the continent.
During a panel session themed “Peace Building: Youth as Ambassadors of Peace,” Mr. Daniel Juma Omondi, Global Peace Foundation’s Africa Regional Representative, emphasized that peace is more than the absence of conflict. He noted that sustainable peace must be rooted in inclusion, opportunity, justice, and dignity, particularly for young people.
Mr. Omondi highlighted the significance of sports diplomacy in nurturing essential values such as teamwork, mutual respect, dialogue, and ethical leadership. He encouraged youth to carry these values beyond sports arenas into their communities, institutions, and digital spaces, where their influence continues to grow.
The panel also featured Weldon Siele, Founder of Kecher Africa, a Study Abroad Expert and Youth Mentor, who spoke on education as a catalyst for peace and transformation, drawing from global exposure and learning opportunities. He was joined by Simon Mikanipare, Executive Director, and Njeri Mburu from Sun Rays Foundation, who reinforced the importance of youth-centered approaches to peacebuilding and development.
The strong engagement, leadership, and vision demonstrated by the young participants reaffirm a core belief of the Global Peace Foundation: sustainable peace is built when youth are empowered to lead, unite, and serve as ambassadors of peace in their communities and beyond.
Through values-based leadership, dialogue, and sports diplomacy, young people across Africa are shaping a more peaceful, inclusive, and united future.
