HRH. Abdul-Salam Yussif II receives Honorary Award at IAWPA Africa Peace Advocate Awards 2024
His Royal Highness, Abdul-Salam Yussif II, Country Director for Africa Institute for Small Scale Mining, was among the distinguished recipients of an honorary award at the 2nd Annual Africa Peace Advocate Awards 2024.
The prestigious ceremony, organized by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), took place on Saturday, September 21st, at the National Theatre in Accra, Ghana.
IAWPA, a recognized global bureau of peace advocates and a registered arm of the United Nations ECOSOC, is dedicated to promoting peace and appointing peacemakers, advocates, and ambassadors across the 193 United Nations member states.
The awards ceremony celebrated Ghana’s top businesses and individuals driving positive change in the country and beyond, recognizing over 50 men and women from various sectors across Africa for their outstanding contributions to promoting peace, unity, and conflict resolution.
The iconic event was graced by high-profile dignitaries, including representatives from the Ghana government, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional leaders, underscoring the significance of the awards in the realm of peace-building and societal development.
In his acceptance speech, HRH. Abdul-Salam Yussif II expressed his gratitude for the honor and reaffirmed his commitment to peace-building efforts. “This award is not just a personal achievement, but a recognition of the collective efforts of all those working towards a peaceful and prosperous Africa,” he stated. “It reinforces our responsibility to continue advocating for sustainable practices that protect our environment and promote social stability.”
The country director used the platform to highlight the critical link between environmental conservation and peace. He emphasized that responsible management of natural resources, particularly in the mining sector, is essential for preventing conflicts and ensuring long-term peace in resource-rich regions.
Dr. Samuel Ben Owusu, the United Nations Eminent Peace Ambassador and Country Director for the International Association of World Peace Advocates—Ghana, commended the awardees for their exemplary leadership. “These individuals, including HRH. Abdul-Salam Yussif II, represent the best of Africa. Their work in promoting peace through various sectors is crucial for the continent’s progress,” Dr. Owusu remarked.
The recognition of HRH. Abdul-Salam Yussif II at the IAWPA Africa Peace Advocate Awards 2024 stands as a powerful acknowledgment of his contributions to peace through responsible resource management and environmental advocacy. It underscores the importance of addressing environmental challenges as a crucial component of maintaining peace and stability in Africa.
As part of his recognition, HRH. Abdul-Salam Yussif II is expected to play a key role in upcoming peace initiatives across Africa, leveraging his expertise in the mining sector to address environmental concerns that often lead to social unrest.
The 2nd Annual IAWPA Africa Peace Advocate Awards not only celebrated achievements but also provided a platform for networking and sharing best practices in peace-building initiatives. It reaffirmed the commitment of African leaders and organizations to fostering a culture of peace and sustainable development across the continent.