Peace Advocate Prof. Dr. G.D. Singh Recognised Among Africa’s 100 Leading Icons for 2025

In a distinguished ceremony held at the Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, Prof. Sir Dr. G.D. Singh, Founder & Chairman of the Asian African Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AACCI) and President of the World Peace & Diplomacy Organisation (WPDO), was honoured as one of the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa 2025.

The prestigious event, themed around celebrating individuals shaping Africa’s future through peace, diplomacy, and strategic leadership, brought together notable public figures, professionals, and changemakers from across the continent and beyond. The awards were designed to recognize individuals whose contributions have directly advanced peace, unity, and development in their regions and globally.

Prof. Sir Dr. G.D. Singh was recognised for his tireless efforts in fostering diplomatic ties between Asia and Africa, advancing international cooperation, and championing peace through trade, education, and cultural collaboration. Under his leadership, AACCI has emerged as a significant platform for socio-economic integration and investment facilitation across continents, while WPDO continues to promote global harmony, leadership accountability, and sustainable peace.
Delivering a keynote speech on the theme “Global Peace Diplomacy and Economic Integration: Forging Strategic Alliances Between Asia and Africa,”  Prof. Singh emphasized the urgent need for collaborative frameworks to address shared challenges in the Global South.

“Peace is no longer a distant ideal; it is an active diplomatic process that must be rooted in sustainable economics, cultural understanding, and cross-continental engagement,” said
Prof. Sir Dr. G.D. Singh.

He further added, “The partnership between Asia and Africa is more than historical – it is transformational. Together, we must craft new economic bridges, support young leaders, and ensure that peace remains the foundation of our shared future. Through platforms like AACCI and WPDO, we are building those bridges every day.”

His powerful speech received a standing ovation and struck a deep chord with participants, as he invoked real-world examples of how strategic diplomacy, trade facilitation, and ethical leadership can create tangible peace dividends.

Other honorees at the event included public officials, healthcare leaders, civil society champions, and entrepreneurs such as Dr. Imane Kendili (Morocco), Governor Mallam Umar Namadi (Nigeria), Prof. Nicaise Ndembi, Dr. Pedzai Scott Pakupwanya, and Dr. George Kelly D. Alabo, among others.
The Summit also featured cultural performances, high-level networking sessions, and a dinner gala with entertainment by Nigerian comedian Wale Baba. Hosted under the stewardship of Ambassador Dr. Kingsley Amafibe, the event underscored the importance of recognizing both prominent and grassroots peace builders.

Prof. Singh’s recognition as a Notable Peace Icon adds to his illustrious track record as a global voice for ethical leadership and peace diplomacy. Through his organizations, he has led peace dialogues, international business forums, and humanitarian initiatives in over 25 countries, actively promoting the ideals of intercultural harmony and sustainable development.

In closing, Prof. Singh remarked: “Let us leave Kigali not only as recipients of recognition but as renewed torchbearers of peace. Our work is far from over. The world needs more bridges, not borders.”

The 2025 edition marked a milestone year for the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa initiative, and organisers announced their intention to scale the platform to spotlight more grassroots change makers, women leaders, and youth advocates in upcoming editions