United Religions Initiative (URI) - Africa presented its Prestigious Africa Peace Award to the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC) during the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of AU-ECOSOCC.
The award was received by Mr. Khalid Boudoli, the Presiding Officer of AU-ECOSOCC and Mr. William Carew Head of AU- ECOSOCC.
During the handing over ceremony of the award Amb. Mussie Hailu, Regional Director of URI - Africa and Representative of URI to the AU and UN in Africa said “ URI-Africa presented its Africa Peace Award to AU-ECOSOCC in recognition and appreciation of the good work of AU-ECOSOCC since its establishment in 2004 as an Advisory Organ of the African Union facilitating the participation of non-state actors and civil society with the African Union, enhancing the collaboration between the African Union, Member States, and Civil Society organizations engaging in moving forward the Agenda 2063 and the vision of the African Union which is - “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena”
Mussie further said that “The award is also in recognition of AU-ECOSOCC important work as African citizenry platform for engagement on cultural and socio-economic issues and for its effort to ensure that the African Union represents not only African Governments but also the totality of its people”.
URI-Africa highly acknowledges AU-ECOSOCC effort in the promotion and realization of the AU’s vision and objectives through advice and supporting the efforts of civil societies engagement in reviewing the future of Africa and forging pan-African values.
URI-Africa established the Africa Peace Award in 2007 to recognize the committed and effective leadership exercise to bring sustainable peace, healing, reconciliation, human dignity, environmental protection, interfaith harmony, developments, democracy, good leadership and countering violence on the African continent.
The award also 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 bring positive change in people’s lives.
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. 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.
URI-Africa is cultivating peaceful coexistence among different religions and cultures by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and their environment.
URI-Africa is working in partnership with the African Union Commission, other sub-regional organizations and many other organizations in addressing the issue of interfaith harmony, countering violent extremism, promoting peace, human dignity, environmental protection, and addressing climate issues, and to popularize Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals.
May Peace Prevail on Earth.
