Lord Echendu Advocates for Peace at United Nations Summit
Speaking at the International Summit for Peace and Unity held in Abuja, the Rivers State-born serial entrepreneur, Lord Echendu Ndubuisi called for a shift in the general operating policies of the United Nations Missions, from just holding consultations with the local populace to actively involving them in the peacebuilding process.
The UN-sponsored event with the theme; Promoting Peace within our borders,
came at a crucial time when Nigeria is faced with daunting internal security challenges.
“Peacebuilding, conflict resolution, conflict prevention; whichever term you use, cannot be easily confined to one particular field, discipline, or government department, it is all-encompassing,” said Lord Echendu in his keynote address. “It has an effect on development, foreign policy, diplomacy, defence and security, justice and human rights. So addressing the core causes and drivers of conflict is a long-term and difficult endeavour - not only for individuals who live with conflict but also for people who assist those that work for peace,” he added.
Lord Echendu acknowledged the complexities involved in tackling conflicts while reiterating the need for a multi-faceted and community-based approach to resolving them. “Conflicts are driven by a variety of factors, operate as systems, are often local, and do not stop at state borders. Responses necessitate the influence, resources, and dedication of many people and institutions at various periods.
“Women who play critical roles for peace outside of the spotlight of international discussions; youth; displaced people; ethnic minorities; or those living in distant and unstable border regions, for example, should all be included in the analysis process. An inclusive strategy is not without its difficulties and dilemmas. It may be necessary to include "difficult" actors, such as the Taliban and other armed groups, who have unpopular beliefs but enjoy widespread support. Inclusion and participation are becoming more prominent in key international strategies and operational advice, which is encouraging,” he said.
In concluding his speech at the event, Lord Echendu called on everyone to be involved in ensuring peace as it is the only way to build a more prosperous society. According to him, “development, security, social and economic fairness, and reconciliation are all benefits of peacebuilding.”
Lord Echendu, who is an ambassador for Modern UN, is also the CEO of Echendu Group of Companies, a multinational conglomerate with interests in transportation, logistics, financial services, energy, real estate and hospitality, megastores, agribusiness, oil and gas, and travel and tourism. The company operates in the UK, US, Ghana and Nigeria.
A member of the Global Chambers of Business Leaders, Lord Echendu is the founder of the Echendu Ndubuisi Foundation, a non-profit organization that operates as Echendu Unify and has contributed to fostering unity and development through social and economic interventions across West Africa.
The International Summit on Peace and Unity is an annual event that seeks to bring key players across the private and public sectors together in proffering solutions to internal conflicts faced by countries like Nigeria. This year’s event was organized at the NAF Conference Center in Abuja.
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