The former Sierra Leonian Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr Memunatu Pratt, has advocated for cultural diplomacy as a catalyst for sustainable peace in Africa.
Speaking at the Pan African Leadership Symposium and Awards, PALESH, 2025 at Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, during her keynote address on the theme: “ The role of good governance and Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, Mechanisms for Consolidating Peaceful Coexistence in Africa – a Conceptual Approach.”
Dr. Memunatu Pratt harped the profound power of cultural diplomacy as a form of soft power that can promote mutual understanding, resolve conflicts, and bridge ideological divides across the African continent.
Cultural Exchanges
She highlighted how cultural exchanges through tourism, arts, education, and inter-cultural dialogue are crucial tools for fostering peace and cooperation in today’s multipolar global landscape, noting that sustainable peace is not merely the absence of war but requires the presence of justice, equity, wellbeing, and shared values—hallmarks of what is known as “positive peace.”
The former Sierra Leonian Minister cited global examples like the Fulbright Program and institutions such as the Alliance Française and the British Council as an effective tool for fostering international relations and harmony.
Cultural Diplomacy
She called for a renewed focus on cultural diplomacy in Africa’s peacebuilding efforts, emphasizing inclusive stakeholder dialogue, education, and strategic soft power to promote unity, stability, and sustainable development across the continent Her speech was met with admiration and earned her the prestigious Commander of Peace Award in recognition of her enduring contributions to peacebuilding and cultural advocacy.
The PALESH Nigeria 2025 conference is set to tackle the most pressing issues affecting Africa’s stability, security, and economy. Under the theme “Adaptive Leadership & Stability in Africa: Prospects & Challenges,” the Leadership Symposium will delve into five critical topics. Such as Implications of the Exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS, Mediation, Reconciliation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms, Cultural Diplomacy: A Conceptual Approach to Sustainable Peace through Tourism, The Role of Traditional Institutions in Enhancing Peaceful Co-existence and Nexus between Good Governance, Security & National Development.
Speakers at the conference were drawn across Africa, namely, Prof. Patrick Lumumba PLO, former CEO, Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission, Kenya, Her Excellency, Chief Dr Jewel Howard Taylor – Immediate Past Vice President of Liberia and MATRON, UNIPGC AFRICA, Hon. Grace Naledi M. Pandor, former South African Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Senator Dr. Grace Folashade Bent, CON, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Of Council, University of Jos. Mr. Samuel KALKOUMDO, Special Adviser to President Of Burkina Faso, Prof. Roland Otaro – Senior Advocate Of Nigeria (SAN), Hon. Dr. Pratt Memunatu (Mrs) Former Sierra Leone Honourable Minister Of Culture & Tourism, Major General Dayo Olukoju (retired), Former, Corps of Signals, Nigerian Army, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, The Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti Kingdom, Ekiti State, Nigeria, Bimbo Akintola, Nigerian Nollywood Actress
The sessions would be moderated by Amarachi Ubani, a diplomatic journalist and anchor with Channels Television, Nigeria.
According to the Convener of the conference, United Nations International Peace and Governance Council, UNIPGC, Global President and Permanent Rep to the United Nations, His Excellency, Ambassador Dr Jonathan Ojadah, and African leaders would be honoured at the event including, His Excellency, Ambassador Selestine G. Kakele – High Commissioner & Tanzania Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Retired Brigadier General Ambassador. Dr Chief Williams Wallace – Honorary Consul of Barmuda and Antigua to Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, George Muhali Imbuwa – High Commissioner & Zambia Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Julius F. Sandy, Sierra Leone High Commissioner to Nigeria, Beatrice Koko Kallay – Head of Liaison, Sierra Leone High Commission, Lagos, Nigeria
Shakirat Sadiq
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