The courses are aimed at fostering peace and leadership in the country.
UPEACE Somalia, part of the UPEACE Africa Regional Programme, remains one of the most influential institutions dedicated to promoting peace in the region.
The International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day, serves as a globally recognized occasion for humanity to commit to peace above all differences.
UPEACE Somalia celebrates this annual day by reflecting on its contributions to building a culture of peace in Somalia and across Africa.
“If the UN University for Peace should be anywhere, it should be in Somalia,” said Professor Samuel Ewusi, UPEACE Africa Regional Director.
Since its establishment in Mogadishu in 2018, UPEACE Somalia has graduated over 250 students, many of whom have gone on to take leadership roles in promoting peace in the country.
Among the institution's notable graduates is His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the current Federal President of Somalia.
He earned his PhD in "Peace Governance and Development" from UPEACE Somalia as part of the second cohort of graduates. The President’s education underscores the critical role that peace education plays in shaping Somalia’s leadership.
During the most recent UPEACE graduation ceremony, the Head of the United Nations in Somalia emphasized the university’s unique mission, stating, “This is the only tertiary institution mandated exclusively to deliver peace education, and has particular relevance here in Somalia.”
The university’s work aligns with the theme of this year’s Peace Day, “Building a Culture of Peace”, which reflects UPEACE’s dedication to providing specialized, high-level education globally. For over four decades, UPEACE has graduated more than 7 000 students from over 100 countries, many of whom now work in peace-building and conflict resolution across the world.
“Education is, quite simply, peace-building by another name. It is the most effective form of defense spending there is,” remarked former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, echoing Carl Von Clausewitz’s famous quote about war.
UPEACE Somalia recognizes the essential role peace education plays in empowering future leaders and decision-makers. As the university continues its mission, it remains dedicated to nurturing leaders who will carry forward the cause of peace in Africa and beyond.
“If you want peace, work for peace,” the university reiterated, as it announced its new academic offerings and reaffirmed its commitment to developing leaders equipped to navigate and resolve conflict in their communities.
--ChannelAfrica--
