Africa Continental Summit Convened in Niger

Niamey, Niger—The Africa Continental Summit successfully concluded with the participation of more than 2,000 national and international delegates, including current and former heads of state and government from 70 nations across Africa and around the world.

Centered on the theme “Building a Peaceful and Prosperous Africa: Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values,” UPF organized the summit with the full cooperation and endorsement of Niger’s government, and the support of the representatives of the African Union, ECOWAS (a regional union of 15 countries), and the G5 Sahel (a regional union of five countries dealing with jihadist organizations).

Much of the discussion during the two-day summit (Nov. 27-29, 2019) was based on the “Africa Continental Free Trade Area” and addressed issues related to the “New Vision for Peace” and the “Blessed Africa Initiative,” launched at the Africa Summit in Dakar, Senegal, in January 2018 by UPF co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon in the presence of Senegalese President H.E. Macky Sall and other current and former heads of state and government and other dignitaries. Other important topics included SDGs, climate change, terrorism, women’s rights, and economic growth and development.

Highlights

1. The First Africa Continental Summit was organized by UPF, and hosted by H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou.

2. Upon her arrival at Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport, UPF co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon was received by the prime minister along with the minister of foreign affairs, the minister of economy and finance, as well as the African Union minister’s representative, the chief presidential secretary, the head of the protocol office, and many others.

3. The welcome dinner at the Radisson Blu Hotel was hosted by President Issoufou and first lady Lalla Issoufou, who met privately with Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and then entered the banquet hall together with her. During dinner, Dr. Moon sat at the head table with President Issoufou, H.E. Assoumani Azali, the president of Comoros, along with other heads of state and government, including the former president of Nigeria, H.E. Goodluck Jonathan.

4. At the Opening Plenary in the Palais des Congrès on the banks of the Niger River, Moon delivered the Founder’s Address, expressing her appreciation for the president and the country. “The President of Niger is a wise president. I am confident that many great leaders who truly love peace and their people, will emerge from the continent of Africa. ... I sincerely pray for the eternal development of Niger and the rest of Africa.”

5. In the President’s Address, H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou spoke about the successful African Union summit held in Niamey earlier this year and the important issues it dealt with, including migration and refugee flow, climate change, terrorism, and the “hundreds of millions in the midst of uncertainty.” He thanked Mother Moon for “leading the war against the forces of intolerance” and for encouraging the summit participants to act in the public interest. He pointed out that living for the sake of others and interdependence are important principles for Islam.

6. Two significant documents were approved and signed during the Plenary.
   • First, Africa Continental Summit Declaration – Niger 2019, read by H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, which recognizes “Africa’s potential to rise as a unified continent that manifests values of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values,” and was signed by representatives of ECOWAS, G5 Sahel, and the African Union, as well as Dr. Young-ho Yun, the secretary general of FFWPU International, an organization that is affiliated with UPF.
     
   • The second document of historical importance was jointly signed by President Issoufou and Dr. Moon. The Blessed Africa Initiative represents a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to affirm the UN Sustainable Development Goals and find ways for UPF to support the African Union’s Africa Continental Free Trade Area, which ratified supporting operational instruments during the African Union Summit held in Niamey in July 2019.

7. On November 29, all the participants attended the Family Renewal Festival at the Palais des Congrès. Representing the president, H.E. Brigi Rafini, the prime minister and head of the government, expressed gratitude to Mother Moon for hosting the event and extended his congratulations, on behalf of the president, to the many participating couples, many of whom were dressed in traditional Muslim attire.

8. Reports were presented at concurrent sessions which were based on UPF programs and initiatives, namely:

• International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP)
• International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP)
• Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD)
• International Association of Traditional Rulers for Peace (IATP)
• Government Ministers
• Heads of Enterprise and Business Leaders for Peace
• Women Leaders Forum
• A working group of youth with Youth and Students for Peace

9. As of this date, the MOU to implement the Africa Project (the Blessed Africa Initiative) has been signed by a number of nations with the purpose of affirming UPF’s support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals and for building a world of peace centered on universal spiritual and moral values.

10. Summit participants, by category, included current heads of state and government; official government representatives; former heads of state and government; presidents and vice presidents of national assemblies; ministers; parliamentarians; religious leaders; traditional rulers; leaders of civil society, including women leaders, youth leaders, heads of businesses and companies; delegations from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States; plus couples participating in the Family Renewal Festival.

****************

The following report summarizes the main features of the First Africa Continental Summit and Family Renewal Festival, and remarks of the distinguished speakers.

Niger Summit Program

Welcome Dinner

The welcome dinner on November 27 was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Niamey, the capital of Niger. The dinner was hosted by the president and first lady of Niger, who met privately with Dr. Moon and then entered the banquet hall together with her. During the gala dinner, Dr. Moon sat at the headtable with the president of Niger, H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou, and the president of Comoros, H.E. Assoumani Azali, along with heads of government’s official delegations and other distinguished leaders and former heads of state, including the former president of Nigeria, H.E. Goodluck Jonathan.

Opening remarks were given by President Issoufou’s special advisor, Mr. Mohamed Saidil Moctar, who thanked everyone for “choosing to attend the summit and confront the contentious issues facing our nations.” He thanked the president for his leadership “not just for his country but for the continent and the entire world.” He commended Mother Moon for creating UPF “to deal with the terrible problems around the world.”

Performers, including Group Sogha and Tal National, showed off the culture and musical styles of Niger with traditional musical instruments, drumming, singing, and dancing.

Opening Session

The Opening Plenary of the Africa Continental Summit was held at the prestigious Palais des Congrès on the morning of November 28. Every seat was filled with notable participants, many wearing traditional African attire usually reserved for high ceremonies.

Master of ceremonies, Dr. Paterne Zinsou, the secretary general of UPF Africa, welcomed everyone.

H.E. President Mahamadou Issoufou and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon entered together to a standing ovation. Niger is known as the “Land of Peace,” and the hospitality of the Nigeriens and the other participants was warmly felt by Dr. Moon, who is affectionately called the “Mother of Peace.” After the National Anthem of Niger (La Nigérienne), interfaith prayers were offered by Sheikh Djabiri Ismail, the president of the Islamic Association of Niger; H.E. Archbishop Laurent Lompo, Roman Catholic archbishop of Niamey; and Sheikh Soufi Bilaly Diallo, the spiritual leader of Sufi Muslims in Mali.

Dignitaries were introduced, followed by welcoming remarks from H.E. Issaka Hassane Karanta, the governor of Niger’s Niamey Region. The governor said, “There can be no peace without development, and vice versa.” Mrs. Katherine Rigney, the chair of UPF Africa, expressed gratitude for the partnership and leadership of President Issoufou and her hope that UPF can have a role to play in shaping the Africa of tomorrow.

The first of the keynote addresses was given by H.E. Emmanuel Okechukwu Ibe, senior advisor to the African Union Commission, Nigeria, who passed on the appreciation of Ambassador Thomas Kwesi Quartey, the deputy chair of the African Union, to UPF for organizing the summit and to Father and Mother Moon for their global work in human development and support for the Sustainable Development Goals.

H.E. Abdulsalam Kajman, the vice president of Libya, said, “Peace can only be achieved when we all work together for the good of the continent. Libya has gone through challenges and understands the importance of peace, and therefore understands the situation of Niger.” He acknowledged the work of UPF, saying, “We need to take advantage of the rich resources here. We call on the governments and communities to work together.”

The president of Comoros, H.E. Assoumani Azali, expressed gratitude to the president, the people of Niger and UPF for “all of the measures made to make this summit a success.” He referenced the peace soldiers killed in the Sahel region as victims of terrorist attacks. “I salute these brave soldiers who sacrificed for the cause of peace,” he said. Thanking French President Emmanuel Macron for deploying troops to fight the jihadists, he said: “I greet the memory of the soldiers who died to defend peace in this world. Their sacrifice should not be done in vain. This summit is an opportunity to promote peace. Peace and security are the pillars of development.” He invited the participants to observe a moment of silence.

The UPF founder expressed her appreciation for the country. “The people of Niger are truly a blessed people. As God’s begotten daughter, I wish to thank these handsome sons and daughters of Niger as my children.” Dr. Moon spoke about the universal yearning for peace. The early Christian missionaries to Africa “did not understand the essence of Jesus, who taught to love their neighbor as themselves. They allowed self-centeredness to rule them rather than building a civilization of living for others and, instead, built a world of selfishness.” A new providence was launched, she explained. "Please remember that the way to receiving eternal blessings from Heavenly Parent is by having your nations or all of you here today become one with God’s only begotten daughter, who is the mother of the universe. I sincerely pray for the eternal development of Niger and the rest of Africa.” She praised the founder of Islam, "I am particularly familiar with the hard work of the Prophet Muhammad of Islam. That is why I have many sons from among top Muslim leaders.”

President Issoufou spoke about the successful African Union summit held in Niamey in July and the important issues it dealt with: migration and refugee flow, climate change, terrorism, and the “hundreds of millions in the midst of uncertainty.” He spoke about the importance of spiritual values and a world vision that “does not build walls between cultures or civilizations.” He thanked Mother Moon for “leading the war against the forces of intolerance and encouraging us to act in the public interest.” He emphasized that to live for the sake of others and interdependence are important principles for Muslims. He praised the Blessed Africa Initiative and underlined the need “to build partnerships, free the energy of our youth and develop the natural riches of Africa centered on peace, security, interdependence and mutual prosperity.”

Mother Moon presented a special certificate to H.E. Issoufou for his role as president of the African Commission of Invitations to Heads of State and Government to World Summit 2020 and the First World Assembly of the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP) to be held in February 2020 in the Republic of Korea.

Dr. Thomas Walsh, the chair of UPF International, introduced the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP), a UPF initiative which brings together current and former heads of state and government to dialogue together and deliberate on the critical issues facing our world, from climate change and poverty to conflict and organized crime.

ISCP medals were presented by Mother Moon to the heads of state and government and new members of ISCP, representing Tanzania, Central African Republic, Burundi, Madagascar, Cameroon and Chad.   

Two documents were presented. First the UPF Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Blessed Africa Initiative was explained and signed by the following representatives of ECOWAS, FFWPU International, G5, and the African Union.

• H.E. Brigi Rafini, a representative of ECOWAS and prime minister of Niger
• Dr. Young-ho Yun, secretary general, FFWPU International
• H.E. Mr. Issoufou Katambé, minister of defense and Niger’s representative to G5 Sahel
• H.E. Emmanuel Okechukwu, representative of the African Union

Second, President Jonathan read the Africa Continental Summit Declaration for building a peaceful and prosperous Africa centered on universal values. Afterward, Dr. Young-ho Yun explained that the declaration affirms the MOU agreement and proposes the vision of “building a peaceful and prosperous Africa through interdependence, mutual prosperity, and universal values.”

Dr. Yun invited President Issoufou and Mother Moon to sign the historic Africa Continental Summit Declaration. Africa Continental Summit Declaration. The ceremony came to a close with the president and Dr. Moon striking a large gong three times.

Session II and III: Keynote Addresses by Heads of State and Government

In his remarks, H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, the chair of the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP) and president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010-2015), endorsed the principles of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values championed by UPF. “No single African country can proceed toward a just and peaceful society; it must be done collectively,” he said. The African Union has been championing with ECOWAS and others, “but we still have a long way to go, and that is why, when we heard about the International Summit Council for Peace, we all embraced it. … Only by working together can we develop a strategy, a timeframe and a plan of action, with the assistance of UPF, other well-meaning organizations and backed by the presidents, to create a new focus for peace.”

Maître Aissata Tall Sall, special envoy and wife of the president of Senegal, called on the participants to commit themselves to Mother Moon’s vision of peace, which, she said, closely reflects the convictions of President Sall. She thanked Mother Moon for her leadership and vision. Promoting and sustaining peace and human security for social and economic development are very important to Senegal. Maître Sall called on the participants to be active in their communities and be socially responsible.

H.E. Hery Rajaonarimampianina, president of Madagascar (2014-2018), reminded the participants that November 9 was the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall (1989). It was thought that the end of the Cold War would mark the end of all wars, yet violent conflict and dissension have continued. The loss of values has become the true enemy, and that is why universal values based on common ground should be elevated. The president said spiritual resources are sacred and the foundation for a sound society. National unity and reconciliation of nations and religions are necessary in order for Africa to develop and prosper.

Hon. Dr. Rwamirama Bright, minister of state for defense and veteran affairs, Uganda, spoke about the importance of religion and the engagement of faith communities to deal with the country’s more than 250 ethnic groups. Hon. Bright noted that Uganda is one of the leading refugee-hosting nations in the world, with more than 1 million refugees coming from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He said this shouldn’t be a problem just for Uganda. “This is Africa’s problem. We need to work together on a continental level as African people.”

Hon. Madalitso Kazombo, MP, Malawi, attributed the lack of development in Africa to the fighting in the countries. “We have fresh water and rich natural resources, but because of the war and fighting we are among the poorest of the poor.” Hon. Kazombo called for humanity, as sons and daughters of God, to practice greater integration and unity through universal values and shared principles.

Dr. Amina M.B. Shamaki, permanent secretary, Nigeria, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of her government. Dr. Shamaki expressed support for the conference theme and the hope to find lasting solutions. “Africa has suffered greatly, much of it caused by outside forces, which militant groups have exploited,” she said. Concern for security is one of the three pillars of Nigeria’s government, along with fostering economic growth and improving governance, she said. “The continent can only achieve development when peace and tranquility prevail. Our collective efforts will benefit all of us.”

A government official from South Sudan described the challenges his nation went through to gain independence in 2011. The country continues to face serious issues including poverty and illiteracy. He acknowledged the vision of UPF with emphasis on interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values and said this is the best route to improve the lack of unity, security and governance issues in South Sudan.

The deputy speaker of the Republic of Congo spoke about the need for dialogue on the local, national and continental levels. He emphasized the urgency of protecting the youth. “We cannot think about development without peace,” he said. Congo-Brazzaville, with rainforest reserves at the heart of the Atlantic Equatorial coastal forests, is the world’s second-largest rainforest. Climate change, including increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns, impact food security and sustainable development, he said. Protection of the rainforests is crucial to the quality of life of the people and depends on good water governance.

The second deputy president of the Burundi Senate attributed Africa’s situation to: (1) exploitation by Western nations. (2) young people leaving, even at the risk of their lives, because they are desperate for economic opportunity, and (3) young people migrating due to the lack of peace and security.

Session IV: Special Presentations Related to the Blessed Africa Initiative

Dr. Douglas D.M. Joo, president of the Hyo Jeong International Foundation on the Unity of the Sciences, spoke about UPF co-founder Dr. Sun Myung Moon’s vision and philosophy, particularly regarding the Creator and His relationship to humankind and nature. Environmental issues on the African continent, including lack of sanitary facilities and water scarcity, exacerbate population growth, urbanization, water contamination and disease, he said. The environment is in crisis, Dr. Joo said, because, quoting the founder, “The cause of environmental problems is humans acting out of selfishness, greed, and ignorance.”

Dr. Jin Choon Kim, the co-chair of SunHak Graduate University and chair of the Hyo Jeong Academy of Arts and Sciences, Korea, spoke about the SoRegen Tech Company and the Water Purification Technology Project for African Drinking Water. Developed by Dr. Woo Chul Lee, the “new paradigm” uses a combination of activated charcoal filtration and SoRegen technology to purify drinking-quality water. Dr. Kim explained that “The Mother Project” will be conducting tests and developing a prototype in Africa in the coming year.

Family Renewal Festival

On November 29, concurrent sessions were held in the morning on the main theme of the summit, and in the afternoon all the participants attended the Family Renewal Festival at the Palais des Congrès.

At the festival, congratulatory remarks were given by Niger Prime Minister Rafini, who expressed gratitude to Mother Moon for “bringing the Family Renewal Festival for Peace to Niger.” The prime minister called for the end of conflict throughout the continent and expressed acute concern for the civil war in Mali, which is causing many Malian refugees to cross into Niger. The prime minister asked for prayers to find a way toward sustainable, lasting peace, which is “the wish of all Africans.”

In Session V: November 30, spokespersons for each of the preceding day’s concurrent sessions presented a brief summary. The moderator was Mrs. Josée Michelle Ramaroson, secretary general of UPF-Madagascar.

(1) International Summit Council for Peace - H.E President Goodluck E. Jonathan, former president of Nigeria, served as the working group chair.  After a brief background on ISCP by President Jonathan, the discussion among the leaders focused on the main challenges facing the continent. The leaders agreed that Africa has all that it takes to solve her problems without relying on external influences and the example of Burundi’s recent elections without external help was cited. Africa’s main problem is an internal one and this is where it was agreed that ISCP could provide vision and leadership.

(2) International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP)- Hon. Madalitso F. Kazombo, deputy speaker, Malawi Parliament. Africa has become a war zone, whether from terrorist activity or crime or gang-related violence, and everyone has been impacted. Part of the problem is that we are not united. Disunity and discord are like a virus, but we are the ones who created it. The way to treat the virus is through a medicine that brings us together as one people. We must deal with our problems—climate change, food security, gender discrimination, justice inequality—and increase economic opportunities for women.

(3) Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) – Professor Youssou Mounkaila, dean of the Post Graduate School of Attadamoun Franco-Arabic University, Niger. Religions and faith-based organizations can contribute to peacemaking, for example through mediation and encouraging dialogue among dissenting groups. Based on shared values, such as tolerance, honesty, responsibility and integrity, peacebuilding can uplift the values of  forgiveness and reconciliation.

(4) International Association of Traditional Rulers for Peace (IATP) - His Majesty King Dzidzoli 10, Togo, the president of the IATP chapter in Togo. The role and contribution of traditional rulers were explored with regard to conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The people in Africa understand and recognize the important roles played by traditional leaders in conflict resolution. The king said there was unanimity for an Africa based on universal values and an urgent need to establish IATP chapters throughout the continent. The native rulers are the keepers of the traditions and culture and have the responsibility to abhor violence and support traditional norms and values.

(5) Government Ministers - There were four breakout groups centered on government ministers.

     a) Ministers of Defense and Security - (Moderator) Prof. Mahaman Alio and (rapporteur) Dr. Yahaya Mahamane. Recommendations: Pooling of intelligence forces and services; Development of political culture and agenda of inclusive prosperity; and the holistic nature of the fight against insecurity.

     b) Ministers of Education, Teachers of University and School Founders - (Moderator) Prof. Galy Abdelkader, Lecturer, Ecole Normale Supérieure, (Rapporteur) Dr. Abdurah Amane Mohamed Moctar. Recommendations: Africa must take ownership of its education system; Values must be reflected in the content of programs education; and involvement of families, religious leaders, and traditional leaders.

     c) Ministers of Family, Socials Affairs, Women and Youth - (Moderator) Prof. Sabo Haoua Sein, (Rapporteur) Dr. Hassane Boubacar, School of Economics Sciences and Law at the l’Université Abdou Moumouni, Niger. Recommendations: Ensure the promotion of gender equality at the center of family relationship; Establish mechanisms for promoting positive values of peace and sustainable development among young people; and develop work plans, by country, focused on family approach, clarifying concepts, as well as the protection programs to be implemented.

     d) Ministers of Health and Medical Doctors - (Moderator) Prof. Abarchi Habibou, Professor in pediatric surgery, former adviser to the Minister  of higher education, Niger; (Rapporteur) Prof. Sanoussi Samuila, Professor of Neurosurgery, Head of Department of Neurosurgery at the National Hospital of Niamey. Recommendations: Promote a holistic approach to health; collaborate with the education, food, nutrition and the environment sector; and develop a strategy for building a spiritual environment (respect, tolerance, justice, love, truth) for the sake of well-being.

(6) Heads of Enterprise and Business Leaders for Peace - Mr. Seyni Almoustapha, head of the Economics Department at Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey. The discussion of the working group focused on the role of the business sector in peacebuilding. There is an interconnectivity between peace and prosperity, and a lack of an overall strategy for the continent. We must create sustainable paths out of the misery that embraces so many. There is a need to invest more in human capital, especially for the youth and women. Business leaders must be socially responsible and invest more in social action.

(7) Women Leaders Forum - Mrs. Christine Gbedji, former minister of water, Benin. Women have innate abilities, especially to build relationships that are genuine and meaningful. Women are advocates for the family in the important areas of better education, health facilities and employment opportunities. Mrs. Gbedji called for more women in leadership and decision-making positions in the government. She said she supports Mother Moon and believes that UPF's five core principles are essential for the harmony of the society.

(8) Working Group of Youth with “Youth and Students for Peace” – Mr. Gaetan Dandjesso, president, YSP Niger. About 60 percent of the entire continent is aged below 25 years old. Social problems are related to moral values. The youth are facing large problems, including drugs and sexual activity, which can negatively impact a young person’s life. YSP offers principled alternatives and a lifestyle that makes better use of their energy and youth and brings together youth of different races and backgrounds to create a culture based on the family and universal values. Character education programs are needed, with the support of the government and private and non-profit organizations. 

In the Closing Session, Dr. Sang Kyun Kim, the chair of the Hyo Jeong Magnolia Medical Center, Korea, gave a presentation about the medical center, a leader in the biotechnology medical industry.

Reflections

Mr. Mohamed Saidil Moctar, President Issoufou’s special advisor, expressed his gratitude to UPF and his delight over how well the objectives were met, namely, (1) to strengthen peace in Africa and the world, (2) to strengthen the visibility of Niger, and (3) to strengthen the capacity to execute the summit’s ambitious organizational plan.

Mrs. Nana Marie, inspector general of Prisons in the Ministry of Justice, Cameroon, said it is not possible to talk about peace if the family is unhealthy. However, if a child is raised in an atmosphere of supportive relationships, a place of love and warmth, and good listening skills, then it is more likely that those nurturing values will be passed on and expanded to the community and nation.

Dr. Paterne Zinsou read the Africa Continental Summit Declaration signed by Niger’s president and the UPF founder. The declaration was affirmed and adopted by a unanimous round of applause.

Dr. Thomas Walsh, the chair of UPF International, offered the closing remarks: “I’m uplifted. I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve been overjoyed to be with you.” Dr. Walsh expressed his gratitude to the government, President Issoufou, Prime Minister Rafini, and Mr. Moctar. “UPF wants to be your friend and ally,” he said. “We can do a lot together.” He reported that “Mother Moon left yesterday and was so happy to be here in Niger. She can feel your love.” He also expressed appreciation to Dr. Paterne Zinsou, UPF International Vice President Dr. Tageldin Hamad, Dr. Douglas D.M. Joo, Dr. Jin Choon Kim, UPF East Africa Regional President Rev. Bakary Camara, and Mrs. Katherine Rigney, “who has been the anchor in Africa for the past 50 years.”

Ambassador for Peace certificates were presented by Dr. Walsh and H.E. Abdourahamane Zakaria, minister of the Government of Niger.

A Special Reconciliation Program certificate was given to Hon. Lassine Bouaré, Malian minister for social cohesion, peace and national reconciliation, for his efforts to broker a peace agreement between the northern and southern parts of Mali, which have been fighting since 2012.

In his closing remarks, Minister Zakaria, representing the president and the prime minister, offered praise to the organizers and participants for coming together in solidarity with the Nigerien people. Through this summit, he said, “we can better understand the role Niger plays in terms of regional security. We need a collaborative strategy and partnership between the government, civic and religious groups, and the community. We want peace for Niger, Africa and the entire world.”

Conclusion

The Africa Continental Summit in Niger and the accompanying commitments to support the 10 projects outlined in the MOU, including the Interfaith Family Blessing Festival, successfully continues an extraordinary series of summits, which have been held in venues around the world, including Korea, South Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe, Albania and Cambodia. Based on the level of acceptance at the highest levels of government, including President Issoufou’s willingness to serve as president of the African Commission of Invitations to Heads of State and Government, momentum is building excitedly toward World Summit 2020 and the First World Assembly of the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP) to be held in February 2020 in the Republic of Korea.

Dr. Tageldin I. Hamad, Vice President, UPF International contributed to this report.