Youth Leadership at the Forefront of African Renaissance at GPLC Africa 2024
The Global Peace Leadership Conference (GPLC) Africa 2024 held for three days ended with a resounding endorsement of youth leadership as the driving force behind the African Renaissance. Held at the Konza Technopolis in Machakos County, the conference took place against the backdrop of significant youth-led protests against new tax laws in Kenya.
Commencing on June 25, 2024, the event was marked by a strong commitment to environmental conservation as a vital tool for peace and social cohesion. Led by Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, Chairman and Founder of the Global Peace Foundation, and Priti Chandaria, Trustee of the Chandaria Foundation, over 1,000 participants, including primary and secondary school children, planted 30,000 trees as part of the greening Konza initiative.
However, the conference faced disruptions due to week-long protests that escalated on June 25, resulting in multiple fatalities among protesters and the partial destruction of property, including the Kenyan Parliament and Nairobi City Hall. In response, organizers canceled the official opening ceremony on June 26, substituting it with prayers for the nation and the injured. A statement urging calm and dialogue to resolve the impasse between the state and protesters was also issued.
“Every successful transformation movement is a peaceful one. Anything that leads to violence and destruction only begets more violence and destruction,” emphasized Dr. Moon. He lauded the Kenyan youth for their advocacy and urged them to maintain peace.
The closing ceremony featured speakers from across the continent who championed youth engagement in driving change and collaboration in the spirit of Ubuntu. They called on African leaders to show their commitment to peace and ethical governance by investing in young people, who are essential for Africa’s next phase of prosperity. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo highlighted the importance of promoting democratic principles, transparency, and accountability for development.
During the Youth Leadership and Sustainable Development track, Moses Segun Obalade, Executive Director of the Peace Education and Network practice in Nigeria, stressed the need for policies that reward societal contributions towards the African renaissance spirit of Ubuntu. His sentiments were echoed by Abdisalan Dualeh, Executive Director of the Somaliland Youth Development and Voluntary Organization, who advocated for strengthening youth-led Pan-African organizations to promote peace and sustainable development.
The session underscored the urgency of restoring African economies by promoting self-reliance among youth. It called for simplified market access and financial inclusion, which have been significant barriers for marginalized and rural communities across Africa. Rachida El Rhdiou, an inclusivity champion from Morocco, emphasized the need for financial literacy to lift more people out of poverty each year.
Otim Brian Joseph, Former Deputy Youth Ambassador to the East African Community for Uganda, highlighted the importance of upscaling market access and skills transfer through digital technologies, particularly for empowering women and youth entrepreneurs.
Dr. Manu Chandaria, Patron of the Global Peace Foundation in Kenya, vocalized his vision for an African renaissance that unlocks the continent’s potential. He urged those with resources and opportunities to lead in facilitating Africa’s development and transformation, starting at the local level.
A key takeaway from the conference was the call for Africans to embrace their shared cultural, economic, and political heritage. This transformative movement aims not only to revive but also to celebrate Africa’s unique diversity with a renewed commitment to fostering global peace and stability
