Building Peaceful Cities: The Foundation for Malawi’s Growth
Peace is not just a virtue—it’s a vehicle for development. That was the powerful message from Malawi’s Minister of Local Government, Richard Chimwendo Banda, as he addressed city leaders at the Strong Cities International Capacity Building Workshop in Lilongwe.
Peace as a Cornerstone for Economic Growth
Banda underscored the urgent need for peaceful coexistence as a fundamental requirement for economic development. He warned that even the most carefully designed plans and abundant resources cannot yield results without peace.
“Without social cohesion, development stalls. Peace is the bedrock of strong economies,” Banda emphasized.
Workshop Focus on Urban Resilience
The high-level gathering brought together mayors and city CEOs from across Malawi, focusing on critical strategies to:
- Combat extremism and radicalization
- Prevent terrorism
- Promote unity at the local level
- Strengthen urban resilience
Commonwealth Support for Local Governance
Gertrude Rose Gamwera, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening Malawi’s local governance structures.
“We are dedicated to building the capacity of mayors and city leaders—empowering them to be more visible, effective, and instrumental in promoting peace and development,” Gamwera stated.
She highlighted that this partnership with Malawi’s Ministry of Local Government represents a strategic initiative to create:
- Stronger cities
- Safer urban environments
- More inclusive communities
A New Chapter for Malawi’s Urban Development
The outcomes of this landmark workshop are expected to shape a transformative era for Malawi’s urban areas—one characterized by sustainable peace, enhanced resilience, and equitable progress for all citizens.
Source: Nyasa Times