Key Objectives: Ruto To Address Global Conference Attracting Guests From 25 Countries

President William Ruto will address over 500 delegates from around the world who are expected in Nairobi, Kenya for the fifth Global Peace Leadership Conference (GPLC) in Africa. The GPLC Africa 2024 will take place in Nairobi from June 25-27, 2024.

The event, held under the auspices of the Global Peace Foundation Kenya (GPF) and the Inter-Religious Council Of Kenya (IRCK), will bring together leaders, visionaries, and change-makers from 25 countries to discuss critical issues around freedom, peace and sustainable development in Africa.

According to a statement sent to Viral Tea, Ruto who has emerged as a beacon for African renaissance and unity is expected to deliver the keynote address at the event, highlighting Kenya's unique position in advancing peace and sustainable development in the continent. 

Announcing the conference during a media engagement in Nairobi on Friday, June 7, 2024, Daniel Juma, the Executive Director of GPF Kenya said the delegates will convene in Nairobi to explore and discuss ways to promote peace, development and cooperation in the African context in the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’.

Members of the Fourth Estate among stakeholders during the Global Peace Leadership Conference Media briefing on June 7, 2024. /HANDOUT

“GPLC 2024 seeks to shape a prosperous and peaceful future for the continent by engaging government officials, policy-makers, faith leaders, educators and other stakeholders in a bid to increase social cohesion, interfaith harmony, and partnerships for development among other agendas”, he said.

Viral Tea examines five key objectives expected during the conference:

Promote African Renaissance

The GPLC conference is expected to draw on the strengths of unique African heritage, with rich, diverse spirituality and deeply rooted traditional values, an African Renaissance can unlock the enormous potential of Africa and its people, fostering a spirit of cooperation and solidarity to tackle conflict and corruption and build peace together.

Celebrate Africa's Heritage

The conference seeks to recognize and celebrate the richness and diversity of Africa's cultures, traditions, and contributions to the global civilization, fostering a sense of pride and self-worth among Africans.

Empower African Leadership

The conference will provide a platform for emerging and established African leaders to share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions, enabling them to address pressing challenges and contribute to the continent's progress.

Strengthen Intracontinental Partnerships

GPLC will facilitate dialogue and collaboration among delegates from Africa and other regions, promoting cross-cultural understanding, knowledge exchange, and the forging of strategic partnerships.

Cultivate Global Citizenship

The conference will inspire participants to embrace a sense of global citizenship, recognizing their shared responsibilities and interconnectedness as members of the global community, while upholding Africa's unique contributions and perspectives.

Through engaging plenary sessions, GPLC Africa 2024 will seek to identify and share measures toward sustainable peace-building and development efforts. Participants will also evaluate and advance peace and development frameworks while encapsulating community-oriented actions and programs.

Bishop Dr John Warari, Chair of the GPLC 2024, explained that the event themed, ‘One Family Under God: Empowering African Renaissance As A Global Catalyst For Freedom, Peace And Sustainable Development’, will recognize and celebrate the richness and diversity of Africa's cultures, traditions, and contributions to global civilization, thus fostering a sense of pride and self-worth among Africans. 

“The GPLC 2024 will provide a platform for emerging and established African leaders including the youth to share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions, enabling them to address pressing challenges on the continent around peace and sustainable development while contributing to the continent's progress”, said Warari.

The conference kicks off on June 25, 2024, with a tree planting exercise at Konza Technopolis as part of GPLC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and Kenya’s reforestation efforts. Over a thousand participants are expected to plant 30,000 seedlings symbolizing a shared responsibility for a greener future in Kenya and Africa.

Secretary of State Functions Mike Gitonga speaking on the sidelines of the Global Peace Leadership Conference Media briefing on June 7, 2024. /HANDOUT