THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION of World Peace and Advocates (IAWPA) is a global non-governmental and a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, and was formulated on January 30, 2014. Its objective is to promote peace and harmony in local communities across the globe and to ensure that the aims and objectives of the United Nations in the maintenance of global peace is achieved.
ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2023 the office of its International Director announced President George M. Weah the winner of this year’s International Peace Prize Medal Award 2023. The Liberian Leader has been globally acknowledged as an icon of peace after he graciously conceded defeat following the country’s crucial and highly-contested presidential election. The award will be presented on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the office of the President in Monrovia, Liberia.
SINCE THE OCTOBER 10 general and presidential elections and the November 14 run-off, countries as well as international organizations and political pundits have been expressing appreciation for the Liberian leader for his exemplary role in preserving and fostering the country’s democracy as an outstanding example of many countries, especially on the African continent. Notably, it is rare for a sitting President in Africa to concede defeat as early as President Weah did without interfering or engaging into acts of electoral fraud or intense confrontation.
THE AWARD IS in total appreciation of the just-concluded presidential election in Liberia, which ended in a run-off. The election is regarded as a process that expressed the will of the people of Liberia without intimidation or electoral violence, as most often seen in African countries.
IT CAN BE recalled that President George M. Weah was the first African President to receive the International Peace Mayor Award from IAWPA in 2018, an award that saw him demonstrate how peaceful he was up to the 2023 presidential election in Liberia.
AMBASSADOR EMMANUEL NKWEKE, the International Spokesman of the association, said that plans have been concluded to make history in Liberia, especially with the peaceful exit of President George Weah, which will altogether bring another attraction for sustainable development both for Liberians and Africa at large. He further commended the efforts of the in-coming President, Joseph Boakai, for the peaceful outcome of the election in the country.
THE COUNTRY DIRECTOR of the association in Liberia, Ambassador Dr. Sammy David, said the award presentation will witness the highest form of award conferment, noting that “it is the highest award from the association as the international community is on the invitation list to participate in the award ceremony and it will be a huge success.”