July 21 – 24 Zanzibar, Tanzania – The 2015 Global Peace Leadership Conference (GPLC) convened in Zanzibar brought together stakeholders form the East Africa Region to examine innovative strategies for addressing identity-based conflict across the region. The pioneering conference held under the theme “Promoting Sustainable Peace & Development in East Africa” addressed the threat of religious radicalism in the region and beyond, as well as the role of faith leaders, the business community and former heads of state in ending youth radicalization and identity-based conflict. The convening was attended by over 500 participants and successfully discussed best practices, proven models and a two-year action campaign to curb identity-based conflict with a focus to facilitate interfaith partnerships in the region, based on universal principles and shared values.
The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, Former Prime Minister of Kenya led a delegation of 33 people from Kenya to the conference together with Mr. Daniel Juma the Executive Director of GPF Kenya. The delegation included representatives from the Interreligious Council of Kenya, UWEZO Fund, Kenya Women Holding, 11 young leaders from Kilifi & Mombasa Counties among others.
In his remarks during the Opening Plenary, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga stated that “glaring disparities in economic wellbeing among ethnic or regional groups and the consequent marginalisation of certain regions and communities are among the root causes of insecurity and conflict”. The keynote speaker and Zanzibar’s current President Ali Mohamed Shein reiterated these words in a speech delivered by the Second Vice President of Zanzibar. “We are a tolerant people who resonate with the Global Peace Foundation message that all humankind are indeed One Family under God.”
The conference culminated with the signing of a Memorundum of Understanding between Global Peace Foundation and the United Religions Initiative Africa (URI-Africa) on 23rd July, 2015 with a commitment to promote a culture of peace across the African continent. URI-Africa is a nonprofit interfaith peace building organization working to promote interfaith cooperation to end religiously motivated violence and create cultures of peace and justice for the Earth and all living beings.
The MoU will bring together faith based organizations and different religious leaders in Africa to bridge divisions and build ethical societies based on universal aspirations, principles and shared values. This will enhance partnerships for a longer-lasting peace and sustainable development in Africa with the participation of NGOs, former African Heads of States, Religious Leaders, Private Sector, Youth associations, individuals and intergovernmental organizations.
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