By Ajong Mbapndah L
In a landmark step toward strengthening peace and development across the continent, the African Union (AU) and the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 30, 2025, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The agreement cements a collaborative framework to advance the AU’s transformative vision, Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want,” through a values-driven approach rooted in the philosophy of “One Family Under God.”
The partnership underscores both institutions’ shared conviction that sustainable peace must go beyond political settlements — it must be anchored in moral renewal, inclusive governance, and a collective sense of human dignity. GPF’s model of peacebuilding, which emphasizes interfaith dialogue, character education, youth leadership, and community mediation, aligns closely with Aspiration 3 (good governance, democracy, and the rule of law) and Aspiration 4 (a peaceful and secure Africa) of Agenda 2063.
“Peace in Africa must be built not only through political agreements but also through shared values and restored relationships,” a joint statement noted. “It must be organic — an African solution to African problems — anchored on a moral core that recognizes our common humanity and responsibility to one another.”
The Global Peace Foundation’s work draws deeply from Africa’s own spiritual and cultural heritage. Its “One Family Under God” philosophy operationalizes the AU’s vision by addressing the moral and spiritual dimensions of peace, fostering social trust, and empowering communities to lead reconciliation and development from the ground up.
The AU hailed the collaboration as a vital complement to ongoing efforts to address the root causes of instability and underdevelopment. The initiative will leverage faith-based and civil society networks to build resilience, combat youth unemployment, and strengthen ethical leadership — key to unlocking the continent’s potential.
Reflecting the African philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — the partnership places moral and spiritual transformation at the heart of Africa’s renewal. It calls for a unified response to corruption, conflict, and inequality, envisioning a continent where peace and prosperity are sustained by shared values and a renewed sense of purpose.
“With this MoU, the AU and GPF have laid the groundwork for a new era of collaborative peacebuilding, one that champions African agency, interfaith solidarity, and the moral awakening necessary to realize a truly integrated, peaceful, and prosperous Africa,” said Father Canice Chinyeaka Enyiaka, Director, African Peace Initiative and Engagement, at the Global Peace Foundation who was in Addis Ababa for the signing .
