Global Peace, an initiative of the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), has officially launched its Malawi Country Office.
The launch was held under the theme “One Malawi, One Future: Peace through Youth Participation”. The event brought together government officials, traditional leaders, youth representatives, civil society organizations, and development partners in a show of national commitment to peace and unity.
Speaking at the launch, the Global Coordinator General of Global Peace, Mr. Kobla Asamani, said Malawi was selected because of its reputation as a peaceful nation, its youthful population, and its leadership in democracy in Southern Africa. “Malawi teaches us that diversity can be our strength. The theme ‘One Malawi, One Future’ reminds us that peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, inclusion, and shared purpose. And the youth must lead that future,” he said.
Through the new office, Global Peace will implement programs aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union Agenda 2063, and Malawi’s Vision 2063. The office will serve as a hub for youth empowerment, civic education, and conflict prevention.
Benedicto Kondowe, Executive Director of the Civil Society Education Coalition Malawi, Simon Mbvundula, Chief Peace and National Unity Officer of the Ministry Of Local Government of Malawi and Dr Frank Mtemang’ombe, Lecturer of the Faculty of Education University Of Malawi. Simon Mbvundula, Chief Peace and National Unity Officer of the Ministry of Local Government of Malawi commended Global Peace for investing in Malawian youth and pledged government collaboration to scale peace initiatives in schools, universities, communities and business.
The Key focus areas for Global Peace Malawi are:
1. Youth Participation in Governance and Democracy: Global Peace Malawi will equip young people with leadership, civic education, and advocacy skills to actively participate in decision-making. Through peace ambassador programs, youth parliaments, and community dialogues, the office will promote tolerance, responsible citizenship, and national unity across Malawi’s diverse regions.
2. Digital Advocacy and Countering Misinformation: Recognizing the growing influence of social media, Global Peace will train youth to use digital platforms to promote peace narratives, fact-check information, and counter hate speech and misinformation. This is especially critical ahead of elections and national events. The “Youth Advancing Peace through Digital Advocacy” campaign will empower young Malawians to become responsible online voices.
3. Community Cohesion and Conflict Prevention: The office will facilitate interfaith, inter-ethnic, and inter-community dialogues to address local tensions early and build trust. Special attention will be given to border communities, schools, and universities. By strengthening social cohesion, Global Peace aims to prevent violence and promote a culture of dialogue as the first response to disagreement.
4. Peace and Sustainable Development: Peace cannot exist without opportunity. Global Peace Malawi will link peacebuilding to livelihoods through programs on climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, youth entrepreneurship, and job creation. Aligned with Malawi Vision 2063, AU Agenda 2063, and the SDGs, these initiatives will ensure that peace translates into tangible improvements in young people’s lives.
5. Partnerships for Peace: Global Peace Malawi will work closely with government ministries, traditional leaders, universities, faith institutions, the private sector, and other Civil Society Oganizations. The goal is to build a broad “social compact” for peace where government, youth, and communities co-design solutions to local challenges.
In her remarks, the newly appointed Country Representative of Global Peace Malawi, Ms. Mayesero Chancy Maloya said that the office will prioritize grassroots engagement. “Peace starts in our homes, schools, and communities. ‘One Malawi, One Future’ means no one is left behind. The Global Peace Malawi office will work with young Malawians to turn participation into action for a peaceful and prosperous Malawi,” she said.
A Member of the Legal Team at the Global Peace Headquarters, Mama Dzidoasi I, Lawyer/Arbitrator, Sub-Divisional Queen, Gbi Traditional Council of Hohoe in Ghana, administered the swearing-in of the -member executive team for the Global Peace Malawi Country Office.
- Masida Shaba – Coordinator
- Felicia Chifundo – Administrator
- John Pezani – Treasure
- Robert Nyirongo – Finance Officer
- Eric Musiwabanda – Communications Officer
- Castern Kaphirikwete – International Relations
- Moses Pemba – Projects Officer
- Lawrence Luke – Programmes Officer
- Andrew Ussi – Programmes Officer
- Yotam Ngwira – Technical Officer
With this launch, Global Peace expands its presence in Southern Africa and joins national efforts to consolidate peace, democracy, and development. Malawi’s history of peaceful transitions, religious tolerance, and community resilience makes it a strong foundation for scaling youth-led peacebuilding in the region. By establishing an office in Lilongwe, Global Peace will work hand-in-hand with government, traditional authorities, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen institutions, promote inclusive dialogue, and ensure that young people are at the centre of nation-building.
Through partnerships with schools, media houses, and tech platforms, Global Peace aims to amplify youth voices and turn digital spaces into tools for unity rather than division. This initiative directly supports Malawi Vision 2063, the African Union Agenda 2063, and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Global Peace believes that by investing in youth participation today, Malawi can secure a more peaceful, prosperous, and united future for all.
