Resilient and trusted states are Africa’s pathway to durable peace

Theme

Resilient and trusted states are Africa’s pathway to durable peace

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Summary

Achieving durable peace in Africa is inextricably linked to sustainable development. However, sustainable development cannot be achieved without sustainable financing, which depends on a State’s ability to assert control over economic and financial flows through strong, capable and accountable institutions. Ultimately, the social contract cannot be restored through external interventions. Restoration requires Africa-led development that rebuilds capacity and legitimacy, and that fulfils human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights.

The webinar Resilient and trusted states are Africa’s pathway to durable peace will connect policy, research, practice, and lived realities for interrogating the search for durable peace, particularly through examining the peace and development nexus. It will unpack findings of the Report of the UN Secretary-General on the Promotion of Durable Peace through Sustainable Development in AfricaPDF and explore how African States can reclaim and exercise resource sovereignty as a strategic pathway to durable peace, inclusive development, and strengthened multilateral partnerships.

The webinar aims to foster informed dialogue on the intersections of durable peace and sustainable development. It explores the need for improved service delivery and equitable resource distribution as preconditions for peace.

To achieve durable peace, Africa needs states that earn their citizens' trust and better control their economic and financial flows through strong and accountable institutions. Inspired by the UN Secretary-General’s 2025 report on promoting durable peace through sustainable development in Africa, this webinar explores how inadequate service delivery and weak institutions fuel conflict.

Speakers will discuss links between the absence of effective state authority and the erosion of the social contract; how more equitable natural resource governance can foster development; pathways for domestic resource mobilisation; and how the state can expand its administrative reach and authority by delivering justice and essential services.

This event is co-hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (UNOSAA).

Speakers