By: David Tucker – Project Coordinator, West Africa Tourism Peace and Economic Integration Organization
In an unforgettable moment of honour and pride, Dr. Memunatu Pratt, former Honourable Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone, was prestigiously conferred the title of “Commander of Peace” at the 14th Edition of the Pan-African Leadership Symposium and Awards (PALESH) held in Nigeria, 2025. This revered recognition stands as a beacon of her extraordinary commitment to peacebuilding, diplomacy, and regional integration through cultural innovation.
The symposium, themed “The Role of Good Governance and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms for Consolidating Peaceful Coexistence in Africa,” brought together a distinguished assembly of African leaders, diplomats, and peace architects.
Dr. Pratt’s Award-Winning Lecture: “Leveraging Cultural Diplomacy: A Conceptual Approach Towards Sustainable Peace”
This honour followed, Dr. Pratt’s captivating and scholarly lecture delivered on March 3, 2025, where she laid bare the foundational relevance of cultural diplomacy in addressing Africa’s contemporary conflicts. Speaking as former Honourable Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Pratt underscored the need for African nations to reclaim and institutionalize traditional, culture-based conflict resolution mechanisms through cultural, heritage preservation, and ideational exchange.
Cultural diplomacy as a Catalyst for Peace
Dr. Pratt eloquently argued for the integration of cultural diplomacy into regional peace strategies, highlighting West Africa’s rich cultural heritage as an underutilized asset. She linked traditional African dispute resolution practices to the broader framework of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), advocating for a deliberate shift away from militarized responses to diplomatic and cultural solutions.
Elevating Sierra Leone on the Global Stage
In the presence of African Heads of State, thought leaders, and global peace envoys, Dr. Pratt’s recognition was more than personal—it was a moment of national pride for Sierra Leone. The “Commander of Peace” title not only celebrates her enduring legacy but also repositions Sierra Leone as a key contributor to Africa’s peaceful transformation through intellectual leadership and cultural synergy.
Her voice continues to echo in policy circles, academic halls, and community dialogues across Africa—championing a unified vision for sustainable peace through cultural understanding.