At the prestigious 14th Edition of the Pan African Leadership Symposium and Awards (PALESH) 2025 held in Nigeria, Hon. Dr. Memunatu Pratt, former Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone, in a compelling keynote address has called for cultural diplomacy as a veritable catalyst for sustainable peace in Africa.
With the theme: “The Role of good governance and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms for Consolidating Peaceful Co-existence in Africa,” and her presentation focused specifically on “Cultural Diplomacy: A Conceptual Approach Towards Sustainable Peace,” Dr. Memunatu Pratt emphasized the profound power of cultural diplomacy as a form of soft power that can promote mutual understanding, resolve conflicts, and bridge ideological divides across the African continent.
Drawing on scholarly insights, she highlighted how cultural exchanges through tourism, arts, education, and inter-cultural dialogue are crucial tools for fostering peace and cooperation in today’s multipolar global landscape.
She further noted that sustainable peace is not merely the absence of war but requires the presence of justice, equity, wellbeing, and shared values—hallmarks of what is known as “positive peace.”
Citing global examples like the Fulbright Program and institutions such as the Alliance Française and the British Council, she demonstrated how cultural diplomacy has historically been and continues to be an effective tool for fostering international relations and harmony.
In conclusion, Hon. Dr. Memunatu Pratt called for a renewed focus on cultural diplomacy in Africa’s peacebuilding efforts, emphasizing inclusive stakeholder dialogue, education, and strategic soft power to promote unity, stability, and sustainable development across the continent.
Her speech was met with admiration and earned her the prestigious Commander of Peace Award, in recognition of her enduring contributions to peacebuilding and cultural advocacy.
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