On Saturday 26 April, delegates gathered for the main conference day at The Vineyard Hotel, where multiple sessions ran across the full day. The event was hosted by DG Stephen Young and co-moderated by PDG Annemarie Mostert and PDG Abdul Hamid El Awa.
Opening Plenary
Key speakers included:
PDG Nathalie Huyghebaert, Chair of the ICC Executive Board (Via Video)
Mr Christo van der Reede, FW de Klerk Foundation
Ms Janet Jobson, Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation
Ms Nomhle Canca, Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation
Mr John Arvanitakis, introducing Rotary Foundation partners
PDG Mohamed Ghammam (via video), on the vision and evolution of the ICC Peace Forums
Ms Ellina Kushnir and Mr Fergal McCarthy, representing Rotary Internationa
Session Highlights
Session 1: Global Peacebuilding
Featuring leading thinkers such as Mr Brian Currin, The Reverend Dr. Robert V. Lee III, and HE Mr. Nicolae Zaharescu, this session explored frameworks for reconciliation and inclusive diplomacy.
Session 2: Digital Trends in Peacebuilding
Moderated by Ms Mariam Fayez and Ms Shereen Hunter, this panel explored the future of peace in a digital world. Key speakers included:
• PDG James Onions (GB&I), presenting on video “The Sun Never Sets in Rotary”
• Mr Richard Knowlton, on cybersecurity and trust
• Ms Thandi Mabena, on youth and digital engagement
• PDG Mr Abdul Hamid El Awa, and Mr Roy-Stanley C Nwafor, on ICC and Positive Peace
Moderated by Prof Emad Ghabrial, Ms Cosmina Zaharescu and Ms Habiba Bennani, My Journal in Peace Building
Ms Aloysie Benite, founder of Refugees Beyond Borders, who delivered a deeply moving video on the power of forgiveness
in post-trauma healing
Ms Emily O’Ryan , representing Rotaract, contributing youth leadership perspectives
Session 3: Environment, Health & Peace
Chaired by PDG Annemarie Mostert and PDG Abdul Hamid El Awa, with insights from:
• Ms Sue Paget, CEO of Rotary for Family Health & Aids Prevention
• PDG Deepak Talwar and Mr Vijay Narayan Kewalramani, on health equity and grassroots peace
• Ms Dunja Herzog, and Mr Thembalezwe Mntambo shared Peace in Nature – Hiving and HUMing
• PDG Andrzej Ludek, on food diplomacy of different cultures, customs and continents together
• PDG Prof Barbara Wolf-Wicha, who reminded all of the need to stay relevant and partner with communities and countries in meaningful, reciprocal ways.
Evening Gatherings & Fellowship
PDG Carl-Heinz Duisburg was the Host of the evening with PDG Stephen Young as the Moderator and Former Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano remained in Cape Town to deliver a special keynote, likening peace to a garden – “nurtured daily, seeded with forgiveness, and grown with commitment.” His presence underscored the forum’s focus on tangible, grassroots peace.
Participation & Sponsorship
The 2nd ICC Africa Peace Forum in Cape Town was made possible through the generous support and collaboration of various organisations and partners. Over 150 participants, including global ICC representatives, country coordinators, peace experts, Rotaractors, community partners, and Rotary leadership from across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, attended the event.
Key sponsors and supporters included:
Rotary District 9350, Rotary District 9400, SPAR Creation Wines, FEM (Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company),
The Long March to Freedom Project, Century City Property Owners’ Association, Vineyard Hotel, Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Refugees Beyond Borders, RFHA Inc. Kelvin Grove Club, African Brand Architects, Event Synthesis, Mila Services,Chatr & FW de Klerk Foundation
Their contributions were instrumental in delivering both the logistical excellence and inspirational tone of the forum, allowing Rotary to amplify its peacebuilding mission in a world-class setting.
Host & Organising Committee
These Committees played an essential role in welcoming international and local delegates to Cape Town and ensuring the seamless execution of all forum events. Their dedication, regional leadership, and commitment to peacebuilding created an environment of trust, learning, and fellowship.
Members included:
• DG Stephen Young D9350, PDG Ann Wright, PDG Carl-Heinz Duisberg, PDG Annemarie Mostert,
• PDG Nathalie Huyghebaert , PDG Mohamed Ghammam, PDG Abdul Hamid El Awa, PDG
• Christophe Koreki, Shereen Hunter, Angelique Smith, John Arvanitakis
Looking Ahead: ICC Africa Peace Forum 2026
The ICC Africa Peace Forum will continue its continental journey in 2026, with the next event to be hosted in a French-speaking African country. Plans are underway to further elevate Rotary’s role in building positive peace across borders, cultures, and generations.
Conclusion
The 2nd ICC Africa Peace Forum in Cape Town served as a platform for education, action, and legacy. From high-level thought leadership to deeply personal moments of reflection, this forum reaffirmed Rotary’s belief that peace begins with service, partnership, and understanding. The planting of the Rotary Peace Pole will remain as a permanent fixture in Cape Town—a symbol of what can be achieved when people from diverse backgrounds unite for good.
Thank you for all who attended and your participation!
