Monrovia – Former Liberian Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah Sr. has been invited to deliver a special keynote address at the 2026 International Day of Peace conference, bringing him alongside former heads of state, diplomats and other international figures to discuss global conflicts and pathways to peace.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The virtual conference, scheduled for today, Monday, is being organized by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and its affiliated organizations as part of the inaugural International Peace Summit 2026.
According to an invitation addressed to Ambassador Kemayah by the commission, he has been listed among the special guest speakers for the summit, which will convene virtually from Istanbul and Geneva under the theme, “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
The invitation, signed by Ambassador Farshad Haghdadi, Staff Officer to the World Chair of the IHRC, describes the summit as an opportunity for world leaders, diplomats, government officials and civil society representatives to discuss ongoing conflicts and advance recommendations for negotiators, mediators and parties involved in hostilities. The invitation identifies him as one of the personalities selected to contribute to discussions on peace, stability and international cooperation.
To Join Former Presidents, Prime Ministers
The former Liberian Foreign Minister is expected to share the platform with several prominent international figures, including former Pakistani Prime Minister and current Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani; former Mauritian President Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim; former Ecuadorian President Dr. Rosalia Arteaga Serrano; and former Nepalese Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal.
Other invited speakers include former Guinea-Bissau Prime Minister Rui Duarte de Barros and former Maldivian Foreign Minister Dounia Maumoon.
The summit’s agenda also lists Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traore as a special guest speaker, subject to confirmation.
The gathering is expected to focus on the role of diplomacy, dialogue and sustained investment in human rights in preventing conflict and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Summit Focuses on Diplomacy Amid Global Conflicts
In its invitation, the IHRC said the summit comes at a time of armed conflicts, economic crises and civil wars, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
The organizers said the conference would seek to develop recommendations for negotiators and mediators while encouraging parties to ongoing conflicts to pursue peaceful solutions rather than prolong hostilities.
The summit is also tied to the annual International Day of Peace, observed globally on September 21. This year’s theme emphasizes the role of individuals and communities in building peace through everyday actions, cooperation and respect for human dignity.
The conference is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. New York time, 1:00 p.m. in Geneva and 3:00 p.m. in Turkey, with the opening welcome address to be delivered by IHRC World Chairman Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Shahid Amin Khan.
The summit will be moderated by Ms. Emaan Amjid Abbasi, while Ambassador Asra Khan, the commission’s Senior Vice Chairperson, is scheduled to deliver the vote of thanks on behalf of the organizing bodies.
For Kemayah, the invitation places Liberia’s former top diplomat among an international group of political and diplomatic figures being assembled to discuss peace, conflict resolution and the role of diplomacy in addressing global challenges.
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