“How can we tap the power of cultural diversity to promote world peace? A key pathway is through cultural exchange programmes and the organisation of cultural events such as this. These will foster cultural tolerance which is tonic for peaceful living. Culture can be a strong rallying point in times of fear and despair; it can serve as the fortress from which lives are rebuilt after conflicts. “

H.E. President Olusegun Obasanjo is a former Nigerian Army General and President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007. H.E. President Obasanjo is a champion for development across Africa in the areas of leadership development, capacity building, and conflict resolution. In 2009, H.E. President Obasanjo was appointed as a special envoy of the United Nations to the Great Lakes region to mediate on conflicts in the DRC. He plays a leadership role in organisations including the InterAction Council for Former Heads of State and Government; Eminent Persons Group of the African, Caribbean and Pacific; and African Progress Panel.