By Amin Kef (Ranger)
At the 14th edition of the Pan African Leadership Symposium and Awards (PALESH) 2025, held on Friday April 4, 2025 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, former Sierra Leonean Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Dr. Memunatu Pratt, delivered a compelling keynote address advocating for cultural diplomacy as a crucial tool for fostering sustainable peace across Africa.
Addressing a distinguished gathering of African leaders, diplomats, scholars and policymakers, Dr. Memunatu Pratt spoke under the broader conference theme: “Adaptive Leadership & Stability in Africa: Prospects & Challenges.” Her keynote specifically focused on “The Role of Good Governance and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms for Consolidating Peaceful Coexistence in Africa – A Conceptual Approach.”
She argued passionately that cultural diplomacy, as a form of soft power, holds immense potential to promote mutual understanding, resolve conflicts and bridge ideological divides across the African continent. According to her, true and lasting peace cannot simply be measured by the absence of conflict, but must be rooted in justice, equity, shared values and human wellbeing—what scholars term “positive peace.”
The former Minister emphasized that cultural exchanges, through tourism, the arts, education and intercultural dialogue, are essential mechanisms in today’s complex global environment for building trust, tolerance and mutual respect among nations and communities.
“Culture is not merely heritage—it is a living tool of diplomacy,” she said, citing international models such as the Fulbright Program, Alliance Française and the British Council as successful examples of how cultural diplomacy fosters international harmony.
Dr. Memunatu Pratt called for a renewed focus on cultural diplomacy in Africa’s peacebuilding strategies, advocating for inclusive dialogue among stakeholders, enhanced civic education and strategic deployment of Africa’s cultural assets as tools for uniting communities, promoting security and accelerating sustainable development.
Her insights were met with resounding applause, culminating in her receiving the prestigious Commander of Peace Award, a recognition of her enduring contributions to peacebuilding and cultural advocacy in Africa.
The PALESH 2025 Symposium convened under the auspices of the United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), with African dignitaries and thought leaders in attendance. Key themes explored during the conference included:
- The Implications of the Withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS
- Mediation, Reconciliation and ADR Mechanisms
- Cultural Diplomacy as a Conceptual Approach to Sustainable Peace through Tourism
- The Role of Traditional Institutions in Enhancing Peaceful Coexistence
- The Nexus between Good Governance, Security and National Development
Other notable speakers included Professor Patrick Lumumba (PLO), former CEO of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission; Her Excellency Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor, former Vice President of Liberia; Hon. Grace Naledi Pandor, former South African Minister of Foreign Affairs; Senator Dr. Grace Folashade Bent, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Jos; and Mr. Samuel Kalkoumdo, Special Adviser to the President of Burkina Faso, among others.
The sessions were moderated by seasoned journalist and Channels TV anchor, Amarachi Ubani, who guided the discussions with sharp insight and professionalism.
According to the Convener and UNIPGC Global President, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, PALESH 2025 aimed to tackle the most pressing issues threatening Africa’s stability and economic progress. The event also honored several African leaders for their contributions to peace and diplomacy, including:
- E. Ambassador Selestine G. Kakele – Tanzania High Commissioner to Nigeria
- E. Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Ambassador Dr. Chief Williams Wallace – Honorary Consul of Bermuda and Antigua
- E. George Muhali Imbuwa – Zambia High Commissioner to Nigeria
- E. Ambassador Julius F. Sandy – Sierra Leone High Commissioner to Nigeria
- Beatrice Koko Kallay – Head of Liaison, Sierra Leone High Commission in Lagos
Dr. Memunatu Pratt’s thought leadership at PALESH 2025 reaffirmed her status as a leading voice in African diplomacy and cultural advocacy, with her message resonating as both timely and essential in Africa’s ongoing quest for peace, stability and unity.
