For many years, we spoke about diplomacy only in conference halls and peace only as the absence of war.
But my observation across Ghana and Africa is this:
A hungry man cannot be a peace ambassador.
When a young person has no small business of his own, no daily income, no independence, he becomes vulnerable. He cannot be objective. He will praise any government that feeds him today, and insult any government that does not. He is easily used for violence, for election chaos, for division.
But when that same young person owns even a little business , a small shop, a water kiosk, a poultry farm, a tailoring table, a mobile money stand, something changes.
- He becomes independent. He does not beg.
- He begins to appreciate what government does roads, light, peace that allows his business to run.
- He becomes objective. He can speak truth to his community, to his country, and to the world, because his stomach is not controlling his voice.
This is modern diplomacy
Peace is no longer only treaties. Peace is economic independence.
At International Ambassadors of Peace Network (IAPN), w
Promoting Justice, Understanding & Goodwill must include promoting small businesses for peace
We call it “Business for Peace”.
When we support a woman to own her small business, we are not just fighting poverty — we are building a peace ambassador in her community. She will protect the peace that protects her business.
An economically empowered citizen is a peaceful citizen. And a peaceful citizen builds a peaceful nation.
“The world does not need more aid. The world needs more owners.”
Let us build peace, one small business at a time.
By: Ambassador Abukari Inbrana Awudu
International Peace Ambassador , for International Ambassadors of Peace Network (IAPN)
