Dakar, Senegal—The historic first World Africa Summit concluded with the launch of three important peace initiatives.
The approximately 1,200 participants who had gathered at Abdou Diouf International Conference Center (CICAD) on January 19, 2018, witnessed the Africa-level inauguration of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD), and the International Association of Chiefs for Peace and Prosperity (IACPP).
Heads of state and government, parliamentarians, religious and spiritual leaders, business/industry leaders, traditional African rulers and other VIPs from more than 60 countries were among the participants at the second day of the summit, which was held under the theme of “New Africa: Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values.”
The two-day summit was organized and sponsored by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), in cooperation with the government of Senegal under the presidency of H.E. Macky Sall and the National Assembly of Senegal.
Session V: Inauguration of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) Africa Continent and Senegal Chapter –
Since the IAPP was founded on Feb. 15, 2016, at the National Assembly of Korea, IAPP chapters have been inaugurated in more than 70 nations, most often in national parliaments. Several thousand parliamentarians have participated in these events. The Senegal event marked the launching of Africa’s IAPP continental office and Senegal’s national IAPP chapter.
Dr. Paterne Zinsou, secretary general of UPF for West Africa, was the moderator.
Opening remarks: Hon. Pape Sagna Mbaye, president, Foreign Affairs Commission, National Assembly of Senegal, thanked UPF co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon for the experience of attending the World Africa Summit and the inspiration: “We dream to be in a better world.”
Hon. José de Venecia Jr., the international co-chair of IAPP, introduced the background of IAPP and UPF and their importance in dealing with the serious issues which “pose threats to human development and to achieving a lasting peace in our world,” with emphasis on poverty and income inequality.
According to OXFAM, he noted, the richest 1 percent controls half of all global wealth. He proposed “the establishment of a ‘Global Anti-Poverty Fund’ or ‘Global Micro-Finance Fund’ to help fight poverty and inequality and help lift the poorest peoples in our regions and in the world.” He also referred to the need to reforest and to create jobs in developing countries. He called for a dialogue between the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam and brought attention to global warming and the narcotics trade.
Speakers:
Hon. Patricia Kaliati, a member of the National Assembly of Malawi, said the IAPP must make sure members of parliament are working in a holistic way. She quoted Proverbs 15-17, “It is better to eat vegetables with those who love you than to eat meat with those who hate you.” Hon. Kaliati said: “We are launching IAPP to protect the disaffected. We provide peace. Support our children and youth… Thank you for the economic empowerment of women, youth and leadership training.”
Hon. Jong Seong Lim, a member of the National Assembly of Korea, gave an overview of the history of highways in South Korea, beginning with the first expressway, the Gyeongin Highway between Seoul and Incheon, which opened in 1968.
“At that time, it took one hour to get from Seoul to Incheon; but it was shortened to 18 minutes, thanks to the opening of the expressway. It was the first expressway in South Korea and thus symbolized a coming era of rapid growth,” Hon. Lim said. “The highways of South Korea have been the driving force of economic growth and developed as a medium of balanced national development and regional harmony.” The development of highways is crucial to the prosperity and peace of the African countries, he said.
Offering a Japanese perspective, a member of the Diet spoke of his own experience as a volunteer in Ethiopia as part of the Japan Overseas Corporation Volunteers. This was part of a smallpox eradication campaign under the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO). Japan has been helping African countries make progress with goods and technologies. The Diet member said: “Africa needs to exert the spirit of self-help and learn how to make themselves progress in science and technology as much as Japan did. Japan is always ready to help them.” Last month Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged to give almost $3 billion to support the developing countries.
H.E. Moustapha Niasse, the president of the National Assembly of Senegal, spoke on the issue of women and domestic violence and the value of having women participate in peace and conflict resolution in Africa. “In many societies, women are especially vulnerable due to the pre-existing gender imbalance in levels of political, economic and social power,” he said.
Hon. Yakubu Dogara, speaker, Federal House of Representatives, National Assembly of Nigeria
Hon. Aymérou Gningue, president, Bennoo Bokk Yaakaar Party, National Assembly of Senegal
Hon. Maitre Madické Niang, president, Liberté et Démocratie Group, National Assembly of Senegal
Hon. Demba Diop, representative of Non-Aligned Group, National Assembly of Senegal
Session VI: Concurrent Sessions
Concurrent Sessions were held on the following areas: (a) Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD); (b) International Association of Chiefs for Peace and Prosperity (IACPP); (c) Peace, Security and Sustainable Development: The Role of Women; and (d) Character Education, Marriage and Family-Building.
Session VI (A). Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD)–
Founded last year in Korea at UPF’s International Leadership Conference, IAPD is an organization which, according to its own resolution, “affirms the unique and essential role that religions are called to play in bringing about a world of lasting peace, a world in which people of all nationalities, ethnicities, races, cultures, and worldviews live together in mutual respect, harmony and cooperation, as one family under God.”
Rev. Mwalagho Kililo, the Kenyan chair of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), an organization affiliated with UPF, was the moderator. Dr. Cherif Diatta of Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal, was the rapporteur.
Speakers:
Bishop David Masupa, the chair of Independent Churches of Zambia, gave a report on the preliminary meeting for the inauguration of IAPD in Zambia held in Lusaka on December 15, 2017.
Bishop Odette Kouman, the founder of the International Mission of Grace, Ivory Coast, said: “New Africa means that we are not going to reconstruct Africa. We need to have another vision. … As the cradle of humankind, Africa has a heavy responsibility to bear. The whole world is looking at us. … We need to create a climate of peace. If we don’t put God at the center, how can we achieve our objectives?”
Archbishop Christopher Tusubita of Uganda, said: “Peace cannot be achieved without the will to offer good governance. The IAPD should work with the government so the citizens can choose their leaders in free and fair elections… Religious leaders should be able to talk on behalf of the people. Only through free elections will Africa have development… There are 1.5 million refugees from South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Burundi in Uganda. This is due to bad government in their countries.”
Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, the president of the Christian Association, Nigeria, said: “All religions preach peace. Peace eludes us. Each day we hear of more violence. What is wrong? We, the religious leaders of this generation, if we were preaching the right direction and guidance, there wouldn’t be violence in the streets. I challenge the religious leaders. We must give to our followers the words and the means which will culminate with peace. If we are going to have peace in Africa, there must be right education in our churches, mosques and places of worship.”
El Hadji Sidiya Dramé, the president of the National Union of Ulemas, Senegal
Sultan Mbombo Ibrahim, Islamic Council, king of Bamoum, Cameroon
El-Hadj Sultan Ibrahi Mbombo, Senator, Cameroon, King of Bamoun describes poverty as the worst problem facing society. “Poverty can undermine human morality.” The Senator called upon the governments to “redouble their efforts to eradicate extreme poverty in our towns and villages, because poverty fuels many of the evils that threaten Africa.” Quoting President Macky Salls remarks at the opening ceremony that ‘Africa is not poor,’ he said, “(Africa) has enormous natural resources and economic potential to protect it from poverty. It is up to us and us alone to do everything to use them properly.” He denounced all forms of terrorism and defended the Islamic faith. “Islam has nothing to do with terrorism…. I am a devout Muslim myself, and when I observe certain acts of these criminals, I am certain that we do not read the same Qur'an, since nowhere in this Holy Book, in no verse is it asked to rape women, to take people as hostages, to slaughter people and to blow up children with bombs claiming to defend the cause of Islam.” He expressed gratitude to President Sall for the teranga (Wolof term for hospitality) that he and all the participants have felt in Senegal.
Dr. Prophet Radebe, founder, Revelation Church of God, South Africa
At the conclusion the participants approved the resolution to launch the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) and then signed the resolution.
Session VI (B). International Association of Chiefs for Peace and Prosperity (IACPP) –
Traditional rulers are the custodians of land, people and traditions. They are highly respected and honored among their people. By working together, centering on the universal principles of peace, they play a critical role in protecting the institution of the family, social harmony as well as the purity of the environment. The IACPP, launched officially during the Africa Summit 2018, is a continental initiative to educate African chiefs about the UPF principles of peace and to promote healthy marriage and family relationships grounded in selfless love.
Mr. Abdoulaye Wone, the director of FFWPU for East Africa, was the moderator. Dr. Oumar Thiam of Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal, was the rapporteur.
Speakers:
Chief Theko Khoabana, Kingdom of Lesotho. “Together we shall bring a new Africa; united we stand, divided we fall,” he said. “Most of Africa was invented in 1960, when 17 African nations gained their independence. Each country has been independent for almost 60 years. Where does Africa stand economically and socially in the eyes of the world? No African can walk anywhere in the world with their head held high. We are told this is a continent with vices, crime and corruption. That must change. It is important that we protect our lands from misuse and sale to foreign entities. All we have is the land. Land does not grow, but the population does.”
Hon. Mohamed E.M. Mohamed, South Sudan
His Royal Highness Shehu Mohammad Mustafa II, emir of Dikwa, Borno State, Nigeria
His Royal Majesty King K. Toyi Djigla, the king of Allada; president, National Association of Kings of Benin
Chief Kamusaki Chibambe Ntambu, the chair of the House of Chiefs, Zambia
At the conclusion, the participants approved the resolution to launch the International Association of Chiefs for Peace and Prosperity (IACPP) and then signed the resolution.
Session VI (C). Peace, Security and Sustainable Development: The Role of Women –
The role and responsibility of women are essential to build a culture of peace. Using the logic of love, women need to have a say in how power and authority are used in societies and In this way, peace, security and sustainable development are intimately linked to the role of women and the heart of motherhood. Panelists examined the unique position that women have in relation to men, the family, society and peacebuilding.
Professor Amsatou Sow Sidibé, the chair of Cheikh Anta Dion University, Senegal, was the moderator. Dr. Abib Sène of Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal, was the rapporteur.
Speakers:
Dr. Basirat Niasse, a member of the African Union (AU) Steering Committee for the “Fund for African Women,” Nigeria, spoke about the limitations that have constrained the nations. “The continent has been bogged down by community and leadership crises due to gross mismanagement and persistent misapplication of its abundant human and natural resources,” Dr. Niasse said. Women and children have borne the brunt of much of these limitations. “Women are especially vulnerable due to the pre-existing gender imbalance in levels of political, economic and social power.”
Ms. Absa Wade Ngom, the director of the Department of Women, Equity and Equality, Ministry of Women, Family and Children, Senegal
Mme. Ndeye Marie Diedhiou Thiam, the coordinator of the Casamance Women’s Platform for Peace, Senegal
Hon. Erinah Rutangye, member of Parliament, Uganda
Session VI (D). Character Education, Marriage and Family-Building –
Dr. Robert Kittel, the president of Youth and Students for Peace, was the moderator. Dr. Mamadou Ngom of Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal, was the rapporteur.
Much of one’s success and fulfillment in life depends on creating healthy relationships. Yet this is one of the most challenging tasks which we all face. The cohesion and stability of the family are prerequisites for a healthy and stable society. Conversely, the breakdown of the family contributes to a wide range of social problems. Therefore, by strengthening marriage and family, we can build a stronger base of social capital that will enhance the overall quality of life for everyone.
In this session Hon. Prof Anthony G. Anwukah, Nigerian Minister of State for Education, said that “good character” is based on culturally accepted norms and that in some fundamental ways the smart phone has changed our social norms by making it socially acceptable for children to be more isolated from face-to-face personal interaction.
Hon. Dr. Ntoi Rapapa, Lesotho’s Deputy Minister of Education, explained that the purpose of character education was to make people productive citizens. He emphasized the role of community leaders and parents saying that the government could not succeed without the support of good leaders in every sector of society.
Dr. David Earle, the chair of UPF-UK, presented a case study of civic contributions based on his family’s effort to turn their home in Birmingham into a kind-of community center. The metropolitan borough in the West Midlands where he lives has the highest percentage of Muslims living there, more than in any other part of England. In their home, they have held educational programs for parents and children and even marriage blessings. As a result, he said their children grew up culturally colorblind and could interact socially with other religious and ethnic groups with prejudice or discrimination.
During the lively, even unstoppable, discussions that followed, Mrs. Judith Annie Mevita, a consultant councilor and founder of Families are Nation from Zambia, proposed that UPF launch a movement to re-build family. The proposal was seconded by Mrs. Akele Sonsoler Aza from Cameroon. It is being presented for consideration via this report.
Session VII: Keynote Addresses (Plenary)
Dr. Paterne Zinsou, the secretary general of UPF for West Africa, was the moderator.
Speakers:
Hon. Madhav Kumar Nepal, prime minister of Nepal (2009-2011). The prime minister praised UPF and the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), which have “been playing a crucial role in both promoting and networking people and organizations with a view to creating a better world based on social justice and equity.” He outlined IAPP’s four-fold objectives of peace, reconciliation, development and good governance, and said that Senegal can serve as an excellent example for Nepal because it carried out “a successful post-colonial democratic transition.”
H.E. Agbéyomé Kodjo, prime minister of Togo (2000-2002). The prime minister called for “Africa, the cradle of humanity, to become a continent of peace, of interdependence, of shared prosperity, a continent proud of its identity and its authentic values.” He said, “to meet this challenge, we must strengthen the role of families in our communities in the transmission of values of love and forgiveness, solidarity and respect for human dignity.” He pointed out that “Africa is a powerful continent in all respects,” however, “the soil, the subsurface and the seabed contain enormous wealth that fuels the greed of the Western powers.” He described the mission and role of Africa as a mother “to serve humanity and amaze the world.”
Rt. Hon. Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, speaker, National Assembly of Ghana. “Africa is facing a new paradigm; the problem is that most of Africa still follows the old colonial paradigm, which is that Africa would produce the raw materials and the colonial powers would produce the finished products. The new paradigm must see Africa with its own industry and be self-sufficient,” Professor Oquaye said.
H.E. Reverien Ndikuriyo, president of the Senate of Burundi. On behalf of the Burundi people and government, H.E. Ndikuriyo thanked the parliament of Senegal and UPF for the Africa Summit. The president said it is important that the people and their leaders “face the nation’s challenges, not just grumble but take action.” He welcomed Dr. Moon and the UPF as “role models” toward building a more prosperous and peaceful nation.
Hon. Jean Max Rakotomamonjy, speaker, National Assembly of Madagascar. The speaker congratulated UPF for taking up the cause for peace and development in Africa. The refugee and immigrant crises are causing Madagascar to suffer, he said. Poverty deprives people of their dignity. Africa suffers from the globalized world. Arms smuggling is a threat to our countries. He said Madagascar needs a vision for sustainable development and that the summit is a good opportunity to highlight universal values and work toward building a culture of peace.
Hon. Awa Gueye, second vice president of the National Assembly of Senegal, said: “Our wish is to become full human beings who are committed, respectful of society and its common rules, and endowed with qualities of compassion and religious values. Ignorance leads to hatred, and hatred leads to violence, said a French philosopher. Human beings who receive character education are more prone to live as a harmonious family in a safer world.”
Ambassador Moustapha Mahmoud el Kouny, the Egyptian ambassador to Senegal. The ambassador said the fight against ideological extremism in all its forms must continue. It should also include the eradication of poverty and social injustice. Egypt believes in a comprehensive approach including dialogue and sustainable development, the ambassador said. He also noted the importance of religion. Egypt was one of the first countries to support UN peacekeeping troops in Congo, beginning in 1960. The ambassador said Egypt will continue its regional and international role toward peace and sustainable growth.
Hon. Cyprien Awudu Mbaya, vice president of the National Assembly, Cameroon
Session VIII: Closing Plenary Session
The closing session included reflections by the summit leadership, presentation of gifts, an Ambassadors for Peace awards ceremony, and the presentation of Little Angels medals to representatives of all African nations.
Cheikh Mansour Diouf read the Dakar Peace Declaration, which was unanimously approved and adopted by the participants.
Summary and Takeaways:
The historic World Africa Summit 2018 was convened from January 18 to 19, 2018, in Dakar, Senegal, on the theme “New Africa: Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values,” with about 1,200 participants representing more than 60 nations. The summit featured the High Plenary Session of His Excellency Macky Sall, president of Senegal, and the Keynote Address by UPF co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
Besides addressing the summit participants and meeting the UPF leadership and members from throughout the continent, Dr. Moon visited Gorée Island, a small, car-free island off the coast of Dakar known for its role in the Atlantic slave trade of the 15th to 19th centuries. On Jan. 19, she joined with African spiritual leaders and FFWPU members to conduct an interfaith prayer for peace and reconciliation. She also generously donated a boat to be used for emergency medical evacuations.
In fulfillment of the summit’s objectives toward promoting a “New Africa,” the following issues and initiatives were introduced:
- Interdependence: To strengthen bonds of solidarity and promote mutual development by sharing knowledge and technology; through presentations on the New Village Movement (Saemaeul), which played a significant role in providing the vision to develop rural areas in Korea after the Korean War; and coffee production utilizing research and technology from the Hawaiian Queen Coffee Farm, which was established by the founders of UPF.
- Mutual prosperity: To promote prosperity among all nations by breaking down barriers through the presentation on the Peace Road (International Peace Highway). A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was presented to the participants to support the International Highway Project, also known as the “Peace Road” project.
- Universal Values: To promote the adoption of universally shared values through the presentation of the character education program and the textbooks and teacher manuals, which feature stories that present moral challenges. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was presented to the participants to support the UPF Character Education Program.
The summit successfully launched the following three important peace initiatives, which contribute to peace and human development at the national and continental levels:
- The International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP)
- The Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD)
- The International Association of Chiefs for Peace and Prosperity (IACPP)
Africa Summit 2018 concluded successfully toward fulfilling its objectives: (a) To promote a united, interdependent and prosperous Africa; (b) To advise leaders on the importance of universal values in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations; (c) To promote cooperation among all religious and cultural traditions; (d) To encourage mutual prosperity and peace in Africa through village-level development projects; and (e) to utilize the power of art and culture as an instrument of peace.
The nearly 100 speakers, representing all the nations of the continent including adjacent islands, addressed many of the challenges facing the continent, with poor governance and corruption at the top of the list. Africa faces many obstacles — poverty, terrorism, climate change, drug and human trafficking, cybercrime, environmental issues, unemployment especially among the youth, and more.
But everywhere there are signs of transformation: Foreign investment is increasing, the population is young, the lands are rich in resources, and the people are receptive to new technologies and digital communications. According to the UN, by the year 2100 four out of 10 people on Earth will be African. The world is moving in the direction of Africa taking on a greater role as a bridge between Eastern and Western civilizations.
Finally, the World Africa Summit 2018 was significant because the event featured a keynote address by the founder, Dr. Moon, who expressed her insights and hopes for Africa “to become the light of the world.” Participants departed with a clearer understanding of the comprehensive, integrated holistic approach that comprises UPF toward fulfilling humankind’s desire for good governance and lasting peace.
Dr. Moon and Dr. Yun Young Ho, the secretary general of FFWPU, announced after the event that Senegal will be the continental headquarters for UPF, IAPP, IAPD, FFWPU, Youth and Students for Peace, and the International Peace Highway project.
(Dr. Robert Kittel and Dr. David Earle contributed to this report.)
To read the first report on the Africa Summit click here.