PRESS RELEASE
United Religions Initiative (URI)-Africa presented its Africa Peace Award to H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, the first female president of the Republic of Mauritius and the third on the African continent. The award ceremony took place at the state house of Mauritius.
On the occasion of the handing over of the peace award ceremony, Ambassador Mussie Hailu, Regional Director of URI for Africa and representative of URI at the AU Commission (AUC) and UN Office for Africa, said, “The importance of good leadership is paramount for Africa, as Africa’s future depends on its quality of leadership. Good governance is at the heart of sustainable development and the alleviation of poverty. Recognizing this fact, URI-Africa is highlighting the need of good governance as an urgent priority toward the effort of creating a united, prosperous and peaceful Africa. With this in mind, in 2007, URI-Africa established the Africa Peace Award to recognize the committed and effective leadership exercise to bring sustainable peace, security, environmental protection, sustainable developments, democracy and good governance on the African continent. The Award is generally given annually.”
“The Africa Peace Award of URI-Africa is presented to Her Excellency in appreciation and acknowledgment of her tireless efforts in addressing the need to make greater investments in science and technology to bring sustainable development in Africa, and for her contribution to increasing scientific and technological excellence as the underlying foundations of the sustainable development in Africa. The award is also in acknowledgment of the President's service as an internationally-renowned scientist and biologist, of her distinguished research career and strong commitment to a science-led development agenda for Africa. It is in acknowledgment of her commitment to promoting a culture of peace, inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony, and for setting a good example of transparent leadership and humility. The award is also in recognition of the hard work she has contributed to more than 20 books she co-authored and the many publications she wrote on the use of African medicinal plants,” he further added.
The award celebrates, acknowledges and honors the accomplishments of individuals and organizations who have exhibited extraordinary leadership to build a culture of peace, environmental preservation, reconciliation and harmony among different religions and cultures, and who respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and bring positive change in people’s lives. The Africa Peace Award is a non-monetary award that honors distinguished African leaders, individuals or organizations who have exhibited exceptional leadership in bringing about peace, reconciliation, solidarity, and the alleviation of poverty, preservation of the environment, and promoting interfaith harmony and co-existence among different ethnic groups and cultures.
The Africa Peace Award focuses on individuals or organizations whose leadership and policies reflect courage, initiative, and creativity in a wide variety of areas that help to create peace and a better future for all.
The Africa Peace Award acknowledges and honors the recipients' outstanding contribution to the general well-being of the people of Africa and the world at large. In addition, the Africa Peace Award seeks to generate heightened awareness within the world community of the many African leaders who are making the difficult decisions and taking the necessary actions to resolve the pressing political and social issues facing the continent. The Award recognizes that leadership is exercised at every level and sector of society, and thus the Africa Peace Award seeks to recognize recipients from all walks of life.
Previous recipients of the Africa Peace Award include the African Union (AU); UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation); IGAD (Inter-Governmental Authority for Development), UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme); Archbishop Desmond Tutu, National Unity and Reconciliation Commission of Rwanda (NURC), H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria; H.E. Girma Wolde-Giorgis, former President of Ethiopia; H.E. Sir James Richard Mancham, Founding President of the Republic of Seychelles; Rotary International, and Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity and World Public Forum.
URI-Africa is working in partnership with the African Union Commission and other sub-regional organizations in addressing the issue of countering violent extremism and radicalization, promoting peace, security, environmental protection, and climate change solutions, and to popularize Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals.
May Peace Prevail on Earth.
Shortly after this ceremony, President Gurib-Fakim sent a gracious letter, reproduced here with permission.
"Excellency and Dear Brother,
Allow me to express my deepest appreciation and sincere thanks to URI-Africa for having deemed me worthy for the Africa Peace Award this year. It is indeed a profound and an immense privilege for having been considered for such a high level distinction which I have accepted with humility.
I also dedicate this honour to the people of Mauritius and to my family. Rest assured that I will always cherish this award and the ideals it stands for throughout my life.
Let me convey to you my best wishes for your continued effort and commitment in fostering a culture of peace, friendly understanding and mutual respect among the different religions and nations and striving for a better world.
Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, G.C.S.K., C.S.K., PhD., DSc
President of the Republic of the Mauritius"
