African leaders champion education, media collaboration at International Peace Forum
African diplomats and envoys delivered powerful calls for strengthened continental cooperation, positioning media access, quality education, and women’s leadership as cornerstones of Africa’s development trajectory and global peace efforts.
Ambassador Ayanda Ngwane, Managing Director of Neptune Prime and African Union Press Ambassador, made headlines with her pledge to mobilise comprehensive media support across the continent.
In a passionate address, she emphasised her commitment to amplifying African narratives through international platforms.
“I’m here to assist any time, whether it’s Forbes partnership, Neptune Prime, BRICS TV, SABC, or any international media platforms, I’ve got them,” Ambassador Ngwane declared.
“As an AU Press Ambassador, it’s such a pleasure to meet you all, and I’m here all the way. I’m a servant to humanity and Africa.”
Her remarks highlighted the critical importance of media representation in reshaping global perceptions of African peace and development initiatives, while showcasing existing partnerships with major international outlets.
Special Envoy for Education Irene Onwuka delivered a compelling statement on education’s transformative power in addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges, emphasising that educational investment extends far beyond classroom learning.
“Across the continent, quality and inclusive education remains essential to empowering young people, reducing inequality, strengthening governance, and fostering innovation,” Special Envoy Onwuka stated.
“Education is not only a social necessity but a strategic investment in Africa’s future leadership and workforce.”
Her presentation outlined concrete proposals for international cooperation to bridge educational disparities, with particular emphasis on inclusive education that resonates with delegates working on youth empowerment and gender equality initiatives.
The Special Envoy called for increased investment in teacher training, digital infrastructure, and curriculum development that reflects African contexts while preparing young people for global opportunities.
Regional Challenges Require Continental Solutions
Professor Hilary I. Inyang provided critical insights into the need for pan-African diplomatic engagement, drawing from personal experience to illustrate how language barriers and diplomatic fragmentation can undermine continental solidarity.
Recalling his 2007 campaign for a UN position, Professor Inyang explained how West Africa’s linguistic divide—five anglophone countries versus nine francophone countries—created voting blocs that transcended regional identity.
“I lost 64-62 in Geneva because of that,” he revealed. “This is why we need to engage diplomatically now.”
His remarks underscored that many of Africa’s challenges originate in one country but create impacts across borders. “If anything happens to Nigeria, the whole of West Africa is in peril,” he noted, emphasising the urgency of continental cooperation on issues ranging from climate change to economic competition in the fourth industrial revolution.
Professor Inyang challenged the forum: “Who is monitoring to ensure that institutional and organisational targets are met in a very transparent way?” His call for accountability mechanisms and cross-border cooperation frameworks resonated throughout the conference hall.
Honourable Jemilah Shuaibu, Director of Women Affairs for the West Africa region, contributed vital perspectives on women’s roles in peacebuilding and regional stability.
Her participation underscored the forum’s commitment to ensuring women’s voices shape diplomatic and development agendas.
Continental Solidarity in Action
The leaders’ statements reflected a unified vision for African development rooted in education, media transparency, and women’s empowerment.
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Their collective message emphasised that Africa’s challenges require African-led solutions supported by genuine international partnerships.
Ambassador Ngwane’s participation, prompted by Special Envoy Onwuka whom she described as “my sister, my girl, that I’ve always believed in,” demonstrated the strong networks of solidarity among African women leaders working across different sectors.
“Anything for you, no problem,” Ambassador Ngwane remarked, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving pan-African initiatives. “I’m here to assist.”
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