The 5th edition of the landmark Pan-African Peace Symposium took place on Saturday, 16th November 2024, at the blessed premises of the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London, United Kingdom. The theme chosen for this year’s Peace Symposium was “Recognition of the Creator – The Pathway to Peace,” a topic that resonates deeply in these turbulent times.
The blessed event, which was hosted by the Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (PAAMA) UK, drew a live audience of nearly seven hundred people, with thousands more joining via YouTube. The gathering included distinguished speakers and guests from across the UK, USA, Africa and beyond. Among those in attendance were parliamentarians, diplomats, religious leaders, professionals and many peace-loving men and women who recognised the urgent need for conversations around peace, justice and equality.
Following the melodious recitation of a portion of the Holy Qur’an by Mubarak Adeleke which was translated into English by Abdul Ghaffar Adam, the event commenced in earnest.
Mr Tommy Kallon, President Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (PAAMA) UK, welcomed the esteemed guests and attendees to the auspicious event. Expanding on the purpose of the gathering, he said: “Peace begins with a spiritual awakening, a return to divine principles that bind us together as one human family.”
Tommy Kallon elaborated that, “Our purpose is lofty, our mission is timeless and our quest is sacred.” He emphasised that “The path before us is to journey toward peace with every step and every word” and that as Africans “we must embrace the mantle of peace and strive to become torchbearers of harmony.”
His Holiness, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Community, graciously sent a detailed, profound and faith-inspiring message to the gathering. Read by Mr Rafiq Ahmad Hayat, President of the Ahmadiyya Community UK, His Holiness expressed that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community dedicates every opportunity and platform to promoting peace and bringing people from all walks of life together to foster unity and understanding.
His Holiness also addressed the people of Africa, urging them to free themselves from all forms of deception, corruption and dishonesty, and to be prepared to work hard and make sacrifices for the betterment of their nations. He emphasised the importance of raising the educational standards, especially for the youth, so that Africans could rise up through the enduring power of education and knowledge.
Many eminent speakers took the stage during the event to contribute to the motion and commend the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide to promote peace and serve mankind through charitable activities, and social welfare projects especially in the fields of education and healthcare.
Guest speakers were Hajji Habeeb Muhammad Shafeek, Vice President PAAMA USA, Nigel Stewart, Founder-Director School of Pan African Thought, Councillor Slawek Szczepanski, Mayor of Merton, HRM Naa Tsotsoo Soyoo I, Queen Mother Ga State Ghana, Her Excellency Mrs Fatou Bensouda, Gambia High Commissioner to the UK, and a video message from Professor Adolf Mkenda Waziri, Minister of Education, Science and Technology Tanzania.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Mr Rafiq Hayat. In his speech, he reflected on the significance of the event’s theme, emphasising the teachings of Islam as a means for global peace. He said:
“Time and again the Holy Quran has instructed Muslims to serve mankind and fulfil the needs of those who are suffering or are deprived in any way, it requires Muslims to be selfless and consumed by the love of others. It requires us to be ever ready to make sacrifices for the sake of peace and wellbeing of other people.”
Mr Rafiq Hayat gave profound insight into the impact of social media and artificial intelligence in the lives of young and old alike and explained how they take us away from the purpose of our creation which is to recognise our Creator and fulfil His rights and the rights of His creation.
The formal session of the event concluded with a silent prayer led by Mr Rafiq Hayat.
Dinner followed with attendees enjoying a variety of delicious African and continental dishes, completing the three-course meal laid out for the evening.
In a series of short interviews, several guests and participants shared their admiration for the smooth and successful organisation of the event. Many first-time attendees expressed their enthusiasm and anticipation for the next edition of the Pan-African Peace Symposium.
The entire Symposium was livestreamed on Muslim Television Ahmadiyya (MTA) and attracted over 3,200 viewers. The event was also covered extensively on various social media platforms with a summary of the outreach presented below.
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