Building Bridges: UPF Burkina Faso Hosts Peace Conference with ABOU BAKER AL SIDIK Association
By UPF Africa
Written by UPF-Africa
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso — In an effort to strengthen interreligious dialogue and cultural understanding, UPF Burkina Faso held a peace conference in partnership with the Association ABOU BAKER AL SIDIK, drawing 40 participants from diverse backgrounds.
The gathering served as an open platform for meaningful discussion about UPF’s vision and core principles, which emphasize universal values, interfaith harmony, and the importance of building one human family. Presenters shared insights on UPF’s interreligious and cultural initiatives, underlining the power of collaboration in addressing the roots of conflict and fostering social cohesion.
A highlight of the event was the recognition of Cheick Sangaré Sieka, President of the Association ABOU BAKER AL SIDIK, as an Ambassador for Peace. His dedication to community leadership and promoting dialogue made him a natural choice for the honor. During the presentation, Gertrude Ngoma of UPF issued a heartfelt call for Cheick Sangaré to continue championing peacebuilding efforts both within his community and beyond.
The conference was more than a ceremonial gathering—it was a space to forge new partnerships and discuss plans for collaborative projects under the umbrella of the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD). By encouraging joint action, participants affirmed their commitment to a shared goal: building a more peaceful, respectful, and united Burkina Faso.
As the day concluded, there was a shared sense of purpose in the room—a belief that peace isn’t merely an ideal, but something that can be nurtured through understanding, cooperation, and leadership at every level of society.