Soft diplomacy key to Africa’s integration, speakers say

Soft diplomacy is a critical tool for fostering cooperation, unity, and sustainable growth across Africa, according to speakers at the Africa Young Diplomats Forum (AYDF) International Diplomatic Leadership Conference in Accra. The conference, held under the theme “Soft Diplomacy as a Strategic Tool for Regional Economic Integration, Cooperative Partnerships and Sustainable Development within the Framework of Agenda 2063,” convened emerging leaders, diplomats, policymakers, and youth advocates.

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Africa’s development aspirations could only be realised through strategic partnerships and collective action among countries on the continent.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Tunji John Asaolu, Secretary-General of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), highlighted that Africa's development aspirations can only be realized through strategic partnerships and collective action. He described Agenda 2063 as the continent's roadmap to prosperity, self-reliance, and integration, emphasizing the shared responsibility of current leaders and the youth in sustaining this vision.

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Africa’s youthful population was a major strategic asset that must be harnessed to drive development.

Ambassador Hiwot Tariku Goshu, Youth Keynote Speaker and Junior Diplomat Global Head of Mission of AYDF Global, urged young Africans to become active agents of transformation rather than passive observers. She identified Africa's youthful population as a major strategic asset that must be harnessed for development. Modern diplomacy, she noted, requires empathy, innovation, and cross-border collaboration to tackle challenges like climate change, unemployment, and technological transformation.

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modern diplomacy required empathy, innovation and cross-border collaboration to address challenges such as climate change, unemployment and technological transformation.

Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Ghana's Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, underscored the importance of social protection and inclusive leadership in promoting peace and sustainable development. She cited initiatives like the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program and school feeding interventions as contributors to social stability. The recent passage of the Affirmative Action Act, 2024, was also highlighted as a significant step toward addressing barriers to women's leadership.

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programmes such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) initiative and school feeding interventions had contributed significantly to social stability and national development.