High-Level Plenary: Geopolitical Challenges for Peace and Security in Africa

Peace Panel

High-Level Plenary: Geopolitical Challenges for Peace and Security in Africa

Geneva Peacebuilding Platform, Amani Africa, and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

07/04/2025 @ 14:00 - 16:00
Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa

Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its geopolitical evolution, navigating a rapidly shifting global landscape marked by changing alliances, regional conflicts, climate crises, and governance transitions. As the world becomes increasingly multipolar, African nations are striving to assert greater agency in shaping global peace and security policies while managing internal and regional challenges.

This High-Level Plenary Session brings together senior policymakers, diplomats, and experts to explore how Africa can strengthen its leadership in peacebuilding and conflict resolution amid evolving geopolitical realities. The discussion will address Africa’s positioning within major global alliances, its role in multilateral peace and security efforts, and the strategies needed to promote stability, resilience, and self-reliance in addressing emerging threats.

The session is part of the Geneva Peace Week Meets Addis Ababa initiative, fostering a dynamic exchange between Geneva’s multilateral ecosystem and African peacebuilding institutions. By bridging global and regional perspectives, this session will contribute to identifying innovative approaches for enhancing multilateral cooperation, supporting conflict prevention efforts, and ensuring Africa’s priorities are reflected in international decision-making forums.

Key themes

Strengthening multilateral cooperation and regional conflict prevention.
Enhancing Africa’s role in global peacebuilding.
The impact of international alliances and trade on stability.
The role of locally led peace initiatives.

Speakers

Welcome Addresses

H.E. Dr. Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia (tbc)
Amb. Pietro Mona, Swiss Permanent Representative to the AU, IGAD & UNECA
Dr. Annyssa Bellal, Executive Director, Geneva Peacebuilding Platform

Panel Discussion

Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace & Security (tbc)
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization (tbc)
Awa Dabo, Director & Deputy Head, UN Department of Political & Peacebuilding Affairs (online)
Amb. Nathalie Chuard, Director, DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
Itonde Kakoma, President, Interpeace