Kenya has been declared the new epicenter of a global peace movement following a historic peace summit after faith leaders, dignitaries, and global peace advocates gathered to unveil a transformative vision for the continent and beyond.
Prof. Cletus Bassey told the scribes that African states are seeing shifts from the standpoint of the church.
“The African continent is where we are seeing a shift, not political, not military, but from the very standpoint of the church and giving an unveiling event that is telling us about a movement that is catching up from Kenya throughout Africa to the nations of the world,” Bassey told delegates.
The summit was graced by Prof Madhu Krishan from India, recognized as a global citizen of the United Nations, whose decades-long work has focused on nurturing peace builders across nations.
“Our purpose of coming here was to begin to unfold this new movement of speaking peace, teaching peace, and practicing peace,” Dr. Krishan said.
He added, “Our African continent can begin to experience peace. And the peace that comes with genuineness, truthfulness, justice, fairness, and equity.”
He added that for over four decades, his mission has been to produce peace builders who then become nation builders.
“Our main goal and main focus from last 40 years, we are producing peace builders and ultimately a transformed community of peace loving, peace-living and peace-practicing community so that our transformed people, those who are transformed through our peace ambassadors, they become nation builders.” Krishnan said.
Reflecting on ongoing wars in countries like Palestine and Israel, Krishan spoke on the importance of power of peace in overcoming divisions.
“As we know, there are a lot of wars going on, conflicts going on. Russia, Ukraine fight for many years, not going to stop, not stopping even by the influence of the US President, Mr. Donald Trump. United Nations also could not stop such kind of war. Israel, Palestine, wars are going on.”
He noted that Kenya stands as the epicenter of the global peace agenda.
“Say this gospel of the peace to the whole world. So now from today, from Kenya, let it become the epicenter to preach, to proclaim the gospel of peace to the whole world.” Said Krishnan.
According to him, Kenya is set to sign memorandums of understanding saying that different countries have signed the agreements.
‘’You know 69 prime ministers have signed peace agreement and MOU with us in the sense, with our IGO, Intergovernmental Organization and many countries also have signed these things and Kenya is in the final stages of signing the agreements.’’
Krishnan has however revealed that his team is already working with the Government of Kenya to host an upcoming “Sports for Peace” program, bringing together people from across nations.
“Our people, our team is working with the Kenya government. Very soon, in collaboration with the Kenya government, we are going to hold, organize a big program of sports for peace, bringing people for the sports from all the nations.”
