Distinguished guests,

I am deeply honoured and humbled to be one of the recipients of the 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize Founders' Award.

⁠I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the Co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation, UPF, the Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation, its leadership, and the esteemed selection committee for considering me worthy of such a distinguished recognition.

⁠I congratulate others who are being honoured today for their worthy contributors to world peace and human development.

⁠This award is not just a personal honor but a testament to the collective efforts of those who have worked alongside me to promote peace, democracy, and good governance across Africa.

⁠It reaffirms my belief that peace is the cornerstone of development, justice, and human dignity.

⁠Africa and the world at large are at a critical juncture. We are faced with persistent conflicts, democratic transitions under threat, and deep socio-economic inequalities.

⁠More than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and good governance as the pillars of lasting peace.

⁠It is in this spirit that I have continued to work through initiatives such as the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) and the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP) to support peaceful political transitions and conflict resolution across the region.

⁠To be recognized by a platform as prestigious as the Sunhak Peace Prize is both humbling and motivating. This nomination serves as an encouragement not just for me, but for all peacebuilders across Africa and beyond, reminding us that our efforts are seen, valued, and is making impact.

⁠I am pleased that I am here in Seoul at the official presentation of the award, standing alongside fellow global champions of peace to reaffirm our shared commitment to building a more just, peaceful, and inclusive world.

⁠Once again, I extend my profound gratitude for this nomination and for the warm engagement we have had today.

⁠I assure you of my continued dedication to the ideals of peace, justice, democracy, good governance, and development.

⁠Thank you, once again, and may peace continue to guide our path.

⁠I thank you all.