The President General of the Center of Awareness Global Peace Mission (COA GPM), Professor Samuel Ato Duncan, has emphasized the need to incorporate the viewpoints of Africa in global discussions on peace and security.
He made this statement during a joint graduation ceremony for Master of Arts and Doctorate of Philosophy students at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra. Prof.
Duncan highlighted that a more representative and inclusive United Nations (UN) Security Council would not only benefit African countries but also the international community as a whole.
Speaking on the theme “Centering African Peace and Security Thought in a Multipolar World,” Prof. Duncan acknowledged the efforts of the UN and its affiliated bodies in developing policies and programs for promoting human development and sustainable peace.
However, he stressed the importance of giving the African Union (AU) and its organs a voice in global architecture, as they have consistently supported peace-building initiatives.
Prof. Duncan also emphasized the contribution of African Civil Society Organizations, National Security Establishments, and reputable educational institutions like KAIPTC in the collective pursuit of sustainable peace.
Regarding global investments in peace and security, Prof. Duncan pointed out that they have not yielded commensurate outcomes thus far.
Citing a study by the Institute of Economics, Peace, and Security (IEPS), he revealed that conflicts and violence cost the world over 14 trillion dollars annually in military and security expenditures. He emphasized the need to address the root causes of conflicts in Africa, stating that a deeper understanding of African societies and cultures is necessary.
Prof. Duncan emphasized that peace is a priceless commodity and an essential requirement for the development of any human society. He called for peace to be ingrained as an inherent quality rather than just an academic qualification, emphasizing the importance of positive behavioural change. He stressed that peace can only thrive on the principles of truth and love.
Mr Kwame Pianim, a Ghanaian Economist and guest of honour at the ceremony, highlighted the foundational role of peace in achieving economic and social progress. He emphasized the significance of peace and security for steady and sustainable national development.
Mr Pianim commended KAIPTC for its role in training and equipping students to contribute to peace in a continent that is thirsty for stability. He urged the graduating students to serve with selflessness, humility, and passion to mitigate the challenges facing the continent.
Mr Pianim praised KAIPTC for its efforts in promoting world peace and encouraged the graduates to uphold the standards of integrity and service set by Kofi Annan.
He emphasized that the direction and content of global debates on peace and equity in the 21st century are influenced by Annan's legacy.
The joint graduation ceremony, marking the 11th since the commencement of the Master's and Doctorate programs at KAIPTC, brought together dignitaries and families of the graduating students.
A total of 71 Master of Arts students and three Doctorate of Philosophy students from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Nigeria graduated in Conflict, Peace and Security, Gender, Peace and Security, and International Conflict Management, respectively.