Nouakchott – Mauritian President, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, on Thursday, received the “Africa Peace Award 2016” which honours African leaders, individuals and organisations who have shown exceptional leadership in bringing about peace and co-existence across cultures.
Ambassador Mussie Hailu, Regional Director of the United Religions Initiative-Africa (URI-Africa) and Representative of URI at the AU Commission, UN Economic Commission for Africa, Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and UN Office in Africa, handed over the award to her in Nouakchott.
She said the award was presented to the Gurib-Fakim in appreciation and acknowledgement of her efforts in addressing the need to make greater investments in science and technology.
Hailu said it was also for her bringing sustainable development in Africa and for her contribution to increasing scientific and technological excellence, as the underlying foundations for the sustainable development in Africa.
She said the award is aimed at acknowledging and honouring the accomplishments of individuals and organisations that have shown leadership to build a culture of peace, environmental preservation, reconciliation and harmony among different religions and cultures.
It also includes respect for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and bring positive change in people’s lives.
Previous recipients of this non-monetary award, presented annually since 2007, include UN, UNESCO, IGAD, United Nations Environment Programme, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the former President of Nigeria, Dr Jonathan Goodluck.
United Religions Initiative (URI) is an interfaith peace organisation with consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN.
Its purpose is to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously-motivated violence and to create cultures of peace, justice and healing for the Earth and all living beings. (PANA/NAN)
