The vibrant city of Nairobi is preparing to host a significant event, the fifth Global Peace Leadership Conference (GPLC) in Africa, from June 25th to 27th, 2024.

This event, organized by the Global Peace Foundation Kenya (GPF) in collaboration with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), will draw over 500 delegates from around the world.

These leaders and visionaries from twenty-five countries will come together to discuss critical issues related to freedom, peace, and sustainable development in Africa.


President William Ruto of Kenya, renowned for his commitment to African unity and progress, is expected to deliver the keynote address.

His speech will highlight Kenya's pivotal role in promoting peace and sustainable development across the continent.

During a media briefing on June 7, 2024, in Nairobi, Daniel Juma, the Executive Director of GPF Kenya, revealed that the conference would provide a platform for discussing ways to enhance peace, development, and cooperation in Africa through the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’.

“GPLC 2024 seeks to shape a prosperous and peaceful future for the continent by engaging government officials, policy-makers, faith leaders, educators and other stakeholders in a bid to increase social cohesion, interfaith harmony, and partnerships for development among other agendas,” Juma announced.

The conference's objectives include fostering an African renaissance that leverages the continent's unique heritage and the strength of its spirituality and traditional values.

It aims to empower African leadership, strengthen intra-continental partnerships, and cultivate positive and ethical global citizenship.

John Warari, Chair of GPLC 2024, explained the conference's theme, “One Family Under God: Empowering African Renaissance As A Global Catalyst For Freedom, Peace And Sustainable Development.”

He emphasized that the event would celebrate Africa's cultural richness and contributions to global civilisation, thereby fostering a sense of pride and self-worth among Africans.

“The GPLC 2024 will provide a platform for emerging and established African leaders including the youth to share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions, enabling them to address pressing challenges on the continent around peace and sustainable development while contributing to the continent's progress,” Warari remarked.

John Warari. PHOTO/COURTESY

The event will commence on June 25, 2024, with a tree-planting ceremony at Konza Technopolis. This initiative underscores GPLC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and supports Kenya’s reforestation efforts.

More than a thousand participants are expected to plant 30,000 seedlings, symbolising a collective responsibility for a greener future in Kenya and Africa.

Throughout the conference, plenary sessions will engage participants in identifying and sharing effective strategies for sustainable peacebuilding and development.

These sessions will also evaluate and enhance frameworks for peace and development, incorporating community-oriented initiatives and programmes.

GPLC Africa 2024 promises to be a landmark event, promoting a unified and progressive African continent and reflecting a shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous future.