By Nnasom David

In commemoration of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, two of Nigeria’s leading civic organizations — the Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD) and the African Transformer Institute (ATI) — have announced a major Diplomatic Conference set to hold on June 19, 2025, in Abuja.

The event will take place under the theme: “Multilateralism and Diplomacy for National Development.”

The annual United Nations day, observed on April 24, reaffirms the world’s commitment to international cooperation, mutual respect, and peaceful dialogue — values increasingly essential in a world facing unprecedented geopolitical and environmental challenges.

Speaking ahead of the event, Convener of the conference and Executive Director of CEPASD, Augustine Igweshi, highlighted the urgency and vision behind the initiative. 

“As we commemorate this global day of peace and dialogue, we must remember that diplomacy is not just for diplomats — it’s a tool for development, for youth empowerment, and for building inclusive societies. This conference is a call to action for Nigeria to strengthen its multilateral engagement and nurture a new generation of peacemakers,” he said.

The conference will convene a wide spectrum of participants including young professionals, students, diplomats, civil society actors, policymakers, and international agencies. Through keynote sessions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, attendees will explore Nigeria’s role in regional and global diplomacy, with particular attention to ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations.

Dr. Zainab Musa, Director of Programs at ATI, emphasized the importance of youth involvement in shaping Nigeria’s diplomatic future. 

“We cannot talk about sustainable development without including the voices of young people. This conference is not only about learning — it’s about leadership. We are preparing young Nigerians to be actors, not spectators, in global affairs,” she stated.

A central feature of the event will be a Certification Course on Diplomacy, Multilateralism, Peacebuilding, and National Development, which will offer participants practical knowledge of Nigeria’s foreign policy and its contributions to global peace efforts.

Another major highlight is the Diplomatic Simulation Exercise, where delegates will role-play as Nigerian ambassadors to various countries and international organizations. The exercise will involve: Pre-conference briefings with negotiation strategies and  Ambassadorial presentations and crisis response challenges; Real-time multilateral diplomatic roundtables.

This immersive approach aims to give participants a realistic taste of the complexities and responsibilities of diplomatic service.

In light of Nigeria’s long-standing contributions to peacebuilding efforts in West Africa — from its role in the Liberian peace process to its leadership in regional peacekeeping — the organizers believe that reinforcing diplomatic capacity at home is a key to maintaining Nigeria’s influence abroad.

“Nigeria has always championed African-led solutions to African problems,” Igweshi noted. “But for us to sustain that leadership, we must invest in diplomatic education, civic engagement, and multilateral cooperation. That’s what this conference is all about.”

As the world continues to grapple with conflict, inequality, and climate crises, the upcoming conference is not just a celebration of diplomacy — it is a national platform for action, innovation, and inclusive development.

“Peace is more than the absence of war,” Igweshi concluded. “It’s the presence of justice, opportunity, and cooperation. Let us embrace diplomacy. Let us uphold multilateralism. Let us build the Nigeria — and the world — we want.”