July 24, 2025, Nairobi, Kenya – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with the Government of Kenya, today hosted a high-level Regional Forum for Eminent Personalities and Leaders for Peace in Nairobi, bringing together a distinguished assembly of elder statespersons, scholars, and civic leaders dedicated to advancing peace and unity in the Horn of Africa.
Chaired by H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary, the Forum convened members of the IGAD Council of Eminent Personalities, an advisory body established by the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government in June 2023 to support regional peace initiatives through dialogue, mediation, and traditional wisdom.
In his keynote address, Dr. Workneh stated:
“Our region faces a double danger—from political conflict to climate shocks. But where formal systems reach their limit, the impartial voice of our elders becomes our greatest strength. This Council is not ceremonial; it is essential.”
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Kenya, the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, Hon. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, stated:
“I stand here to congratulate the IGAD Council of Eminent Personalities and advocate that as you go about your work, you champion the inclusion of youth and women in Track II mediation—an initiative that recognises the equal importance of our shared cultural heritage, arts, and traditional practices that have long served as bridges between communities and offer time-tested mechanisms for dialogue and reconciliation.”
Also speaking at the opening session, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, remarked:
“As custodians of societal values, voices of reason, and trusted interlocutors, Eminent Personalities are uniquely positioned to mediate, build confidence, and encourage political actors towards dialogue and compromise. They have the moral standing to break deadlocks, inspire consensus, and offer alternative pathways to peace—especially where official processes face limitations.”
The Forum emphasized two key priorities:
- Institutionalizing the Council of Eminent Personalities within IGAD’s peace architecture to enhance visibility, coherence, and operational effectiveness;
- Conferring diplomatic status to IGAD’s preventive diplomacy missions, enabling early action and sustained peacebuilding in Member States.
The event was graced by H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya; Hon. Rehema Jaldesa, Chair of Kenya’s National Gender and Equality Commission; Hon. Hannah Cheptumo, Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage; and other senior government officials and diplomatic partners.
IGAD extended appreciation to the Government of Kenya for hosting the Forum and acknowledged the longstanding support of the Government of Japan in promoting dialogue and regional stability.
As IGAD approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026, this Regional Forum serves as a milestone in advancing sustainable peace through African solutions and trusted leadership.
For media inquiries, please contact:
IGAD Communications Unit
Email: communications@igad.int
Website: www.igad.int
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IGAD Convenes Regional Forum of Eminent Personalities to Strengthen Peace and Preventive Diplomacy
Download Documents in in PDF Below:
Remarks by CS Gender Hon. Hannah Cheptumo – IGAD CEP 24.07.2025
REMARKS BY PS SD FOREIGN AFFAIRS- IGAD EMINENT PERSONS FORUM – 24 JULY 2025
