A vision from the Vice President of WOS-IPSP
by H.E. Manuel Pinto da Costa, Vice President and Member of the Presidency Council of WOS-IPSP
Africa should not be seen only through the prism of crises and instability. It is also the youngest and most creative continent on earth, where communities, cities and states are experimenting with original solutions to global challenges. From local conflict mediation to cross-border cooperation, from renewable energy to inclusive digital finance, Africa is offering lessons that the international community must not ignore. As the World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace we propose to recognize and support this reality: Africa as a true laboratory of peace and development.
Africa is already demonstrating innovative practices. Community reconciliation, restorative justice and the active role of women and young leaders are reducing tensions in many places. Regional integration through trade agreements and economic corridors is proving that cooperation generates dividends of peace. The transition to green energy and digital innovation is shortening the distance between citizens and the state, while the African diaspora is acting as a bridge of knowledge, resources and diplomacy.
The WOS-IPSP intends to create a platform to multiply these good practices. We will support the establishment of peace labs in selected African cities where dialogue, mediation and training of young and female leaders can take place. We will encourage the creation of green peace corridors that combine access to water, energy and employment. We will promote a digital agenda for peace focused on connectivity, secure public services and the fight against disinformation. We will launch an academy for African public leadership dedicated to integrity, transparency and good governance.
Countries that wish to participate will be invited to express interest. The selection will be based on political will, inclusiveness, commitment of resources and collaboration with regional organizations. Transparency will be guaranteed through regular public reporting and independent evaluation. Success will be measured in tangible results such as the reduction of violence, the expansion of access to clean energy and water, the faster delivery of digital public services and the stronger participation of women and youth in decision making.
Our approach is guided by respect for the sovereignty of states, the principle of subsidiarity, the responsibility shared by governments, private sector, civil society and diaspora, and the duty of accountability with open data and anti-corruption safeguards.
With this agenda the WOS-IPSP proposes a new pact: peace as the foundation of development and development as the guarantee of lasting peace. We invite African governments, regional organizations, international partners and foundations to join us in this vision and to present proposals for hosting the first peace labs and for building together the corridors of peace, the digital agenda and the academy of leadership.
As former President of São Tomé and Príncipe and now Vice President of WOS-IPSP I bring the conviction that when institutions listen to communities and invest in young people and women peace becomes possible and sustainable development becomes reality. Africa is already proving this and with the support of the international community it can become a model for the entire family of nations.
H.E. Manuel Pinto da Costa
Vice President and Member of the Presidency Council
World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP)