Migration and societal resilience in a multipolar world order- 3rd Kofi Annan Peace and Security Forum held in Accra.

The 3rd edition of the Kofi Annan Peace and Security Forum (KAPS) organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) unfolded over two days from February 28 to 29, 2024, in Accra, Ghana. With over two hundred high-level participants, including delegations from various nations and international bodies.

 Themed "Migration and Societal Resilience in a Multipolar World Order: Addressing Conflicts and Building Peace in Africa," the forum received special patronage from His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, and was chaired by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas. The forum analyzed the root causes of migration in Africa - poverty, inequality, and conflict. It also explored innovative approaches to promote peaceful coexistence, build sustainable solutions, and address migration challenges.

Addressing the delegates, the Special UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel and the chairman of Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC), H.E Leonardo Santos Simao lauded Ghana for its stability and highlighted the intricate relationship between climate change and migration. “Climate change directly impacts agriculture, when crops fail and pastures dwindle, families are forced to make difficult choices. Migration becomes not just an option but a necessity for survival” he stated.

The President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo underscored migration's complex challenges, recognizing it as a paramount issue. “Migration represents one of the most important and pressing issues in the contemporary world, and there can be no doubt that it will be a major challenge for the development of the global developments and security agenda over the next few decades” he noted.

“A responsible migration policy …where every migrant’s right as a person, will have to be honored and respected when they migrate. Migrants have rights and they should be respected” emphasized the African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns and the distinguished Chairman for the KAPS forum. He iterated how conflicts affected African countries and halted their growth and development and a need for a highly universal migration policy that is applicable everywhere and sees to the well-being of migrants. 

Thought-provoking and insightful panel discussions including a dynamic session led by the UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, Ms Angela Lusigi with diverse panelists including the Chief of mission, Ghana, Togo, and Benin for IOM and the Special envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, Mrs Hanna Serwaah Tetteh expatiating on the theme “Building Regional Capacity to Migration and Conflicts in Africa”. Panelists delved into pragmatic approaches to address migration challenges across the continent.

The Kofi Annan Forum brought together over two hundred high-level delegates and diplomats from governmental and intergovernmental organizations (including the United Nations in Ghana, the African Union and its Regional Economic Communities, and the European Union), Security professionals and representatives from policy and research think tanks, development partners, training institutions, and civil society groups to participate in the dialogues.