Former Sierra Leone Minister of Tourism, Memunatu Pratt, to Speak at PALESH Nigeria 2025 Leadership Symposium.

The upcoming PALESH Nigeria 2025 Leadership Symposium, set to take place from April 3rd to 5th, 2025, at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, Lagos, will bring together distinguished leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss Africa’s stability, security, and governance. Among the notable speakers is Hon. Dr. Memunatu Pratt, former Sierra Leone Minister of Tourism and Culture, who will lend her expertise to discussions on cultural diplomacy and sustainable peace through tourism.*

Under the theme “Adaptive Leadership & Stability in Africa: Prospects & Challenges,” the symposium aims to explore pressing continental issues, including regional security, mediation strategies, governance, and the role of traditional institutions in conflict resolution. Dr. Pratt’s participation will provide valuable insights into how cultural diplomacy can be leveraged as a tool for peacebuilding and economic development in Africa.

One of the key sessions, “Cultural Diplomacy: A Conceptual Approach to Sustainable Peace through Tourism,” will examine how cultural exchange programs, heritage conservation, and tourism initiatives can foster international cooperation and mutual understanding among African nations. Dr. Pratt, a seasoned advocate for tourism-driven economic transformation, is expected to highlight success stories and strategies that can strengthen Africa’s position as a global cultural hub.

Distinguished Speakers and Awardees

Dr. Pratt will be speaking alongside other high-profile figures, including His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar (represented by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine G. Kakele), His Excellency Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso (represented by Special Adviser Samuel Kalkoumdo), and Hon. Grace Naledi M. Pandor, former South African Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Additionally, Dr. Pratt is among the esteemed individuals set to receive the Commander of Peace (COP) Award at the Pan African Peace Leadership Awards (PALESH Nigeria 2025), which will be held on April 5th, 2025. This honor recognises her contributions to promoting cultural diplomacy and sustainable peace through her work in the tourism and governance sectors.

Convener and Key Participants

The event is convened by His Excellency, Amb. Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, UNIPGC Global President and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. The symposium will feature keynote addresses from renowned African leaders and experts, including Prof. Patrick Lumumba, former CEO of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission, and media personality Amarachi Ubani, who will serve as moderator.

Other notable figures include:

Maj Gen. Dayo Olukoju (rtd), former Corps of Signals, Nigerian Army

Prof. Roland Otaru, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)

Brig. Gen. Solomon Inuwa

His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti Kingdom

Bimbo Akintola, Nollywood Actress

Impact on Africa’s Leadership and Stability

The PALESH Nigeria 2025 Symposium is expected to generate meaningful dialogue and actionable strategies for fostering adaptive leadership and stability across the continent. With participants from government, academia, traditional institutions, and civil society, the event aims to chart a sustainable path toward peace, economic growth, and regional cooperation in Africa.

For more details, visit www.unipgcafrica.org or contact +2348130003765.