IAAP Launches Its Inaugural Meeting in Lusaka

Written by UPF-Africa
Monday, June 2^nd, 2025

Lusaka, Zambia — The International Association of Academicians for Peace (IAAP) officially launched its Zambia chapter with an inaugural meeting held on May 21, 2025, at the Peace Embassy in Lusaka. The event brought together 13 distinguished academic leaders, all united by a common goal: promoting peace and fostering academic collaboration in Zambia.

The session opened with a prayer and featured a keynote presentation by Rev. Rudolf Faerber, who introduced the mission and global vision of IAAP and its parent body, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF). An engaging Q&A session followed, offering participants deeper insights and an opportunity to reflect on how academic communities can actively support peacebuilding efforts.

Leadership and Structure

One of the major highlights of the day was the formation of IAAP Zambia’s Steering Committee. Professor Geoffrey Lungwangwa was elected as Chairperson, while Dr. Jackson Mumba was chosen as Vice Chairperson. The elections marked a significant step in building a sustainable and locally grounded leadership for IAAP Zambia.

The newly elected leaders expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them. They pledged to work closely with UPF to establish a strong operational framework for IAAP’s growth in the country.

Path Forward

The meeting concluded with a call to action. The Secretary General was tasked with working alongside UPF staff to develop a comprehensive program and to draft rules and regulations that would guide the committee’s work. Chairperson Lungwangwa emphasized the importance of expanding IAAP’s presence, urging committee members to remain committed despite the demands of academic life. “It is passion that must drive us forward,” he said.

The event closed in prayer, symbolizing a shared commitment to peace and the power of academic collaboration to create positive change in Zambia and across Africa.