The issue of peace and trust has always posed a serious challenge in Africa due to its diverse magnitude and culture.
It is in this vein that the British Council is bringing together over 60 world leaders from 19 countries in Africa namely: Botswana, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra-Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and their counterparts from the UK, to engage and explore global issues that threaten the peaceful co-existence within the society.
The leaders are already in Abuja for the four-day programme from November 24-27, under the banner of the British Council Programme, Inter Acttion for Peace and Trust.
The meeting is aimed at strengthening the leadership skills and competence of these leaders, whose roles are the promotion of positive social change.
Facilitators from Africa and the UK have been selected to represent the many region of Africa and the UK. According to the Programme Manager, Samantha Chuula, the cause of mistrust and conflict are global and they derive from how 'difference' is managed by decision makers. These leaders will critically look at how they think about the world and the people around them. They will also have an opportunity to engage in an international network of influencial leaders and use simple and effective tools to develop their skills in readiness to transform their communities and organisations."
Explaining further, Chuula said, InterAction is not teaching leadership skills but about leaders coming together to look at their skills and reflect on how to make decisions but about the world they live in and the way they lead. Guest Speakers at the event from Nigeria will include Hajiya Bilikisu Yusuf, a renowned editor wtih various newspapers, Dr. Sammie Ihejirika, who has facilitated the establishment of various peace institutions and NGOs. Justice Hannatu Balogun, an advocate for the right of women and children and Barrister Yusufu Pam, an advocate for human rights and conflict resolution.
