Nigeria’s Abdulrazaq Hamzat, who is the executive director of a peacebuilding think tank, Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) is set to take the global stage with his organization’s campaign for demilitarization of Africa at the sixth International Conference for the Balance of the World.
The landmark event is scheduled to be held from January 28 to 31, 2025, at the Havana Convention Center, Cuba.
The high-profile gathering will host 650 participants from over 80 countries, including prominent academics, diplomats, and peace advocates, to address pressing global issues, foster intercultural dialogue, and advance a culture of peace.
Organized by the José Martí International Solidarity Project with support from UNESCO, the conference commemorates the 130th anniversary of José Martí, a revered Cuban National Hero celebrated for his ideals of justice, equity, and human dignity.
Under the overarching theme of achieving balance in the world, the event will feature approximately 20 academic sessions aimed at presenting actionable solutions to global challenges.
As a delegate representing Nigeria, Hamzat will shed light on PeacePro’s amplification advocacy in advancing the demilitarization of Africa, especially by foreign powers.
Hamzat’s participation at the conference will highlight key aspects of PeacePro’s Africa Peace Insight Report of 2023, which aims to reduce militarization across the continent by 80% by the end of 2025.
This campaign has already garnered notable results, with several African nations, including Senegal, Chad, Ivory Coast, etc, making moves to close foreign military bases, signaling widespread support for the initiative.
Speaking after landing in Havana, Cuba’s capital, Hamzat emphasized importance of unity of the global South in addressing shared challenges.
“This conference provides an invaluable platform to unite voices from diverse cultures and backgrounds in the pursuit of a peaceful and equitable world.
PeacePro’s advocacy for demilitarization and sustainable peace aligns perfectly with the conference’s mission,” he stated.
Hamzat’s participation not only highlights the transformative work being done by PeacePro but also underscores the growing recognition of Nigeria’s leadership in global peacebuilding efforts.
As a locally funded independent organization, PeacePro continues to demonstrate that impactful change is possible through innovative, community-driven solutions.
The Sixth International Conference for the Balance of the World is recognized as a leading forum for promoting peace and cooperation, addressing critical themes such as solidarity, sustainability, and human dignity. The event also aims to carry forward José Martí’s vision of a balanced and just world.