Peace signifies the holistic well-being of both people and the planet. From the beginning of creation, people lived in harmony with nature. There was a balance where all beings coexisted peacefully. However, as time progressed, destructive human actions such as over exploitation of resources and degradation have pushed our planet to the brink. This has resulted in conflict, insecurities, pandemics, climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The outcome is a state of peacelessness.

Intended Oucomes

Clarified understanding of the interconnectedness of peace, environment, and human well-being.

Enhanced collaboration between peace, environment, and human well-being from academia, interfaith, practitioners, policy, and governance.

Program

DAY 1: Tuesday, 2nd September 2025

Subtheme: The interconnectedness of human and planetary wellness

DAY 2: Wednesday, 3rd September 2025

Subtheme: Linking planetary wellness to sustainable peace

DAY 3:Thursday, 4th September 2025

Subtheme: Nurture collaborative actions for a harmonious planet Earth

Pre-summit events

Earth Day 2025: A Step Towards APES2

Amani Communities Africa joined forces with the Centre for Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Futures Africa Foundation at PEC Nature Park to celebrate Earth Day 2025. The event, themed "Our Brain Power, Our Planet," gathered young changemakers, including those from Mpenda Mazingira Foundation, to explore the vital connection between environmental stewardship and peace.

Guest speaker Ms. Monica K. Muthuri inspired attendees with insights on leadership for positive social change. Prof. Mathiu Mbaabu introduced the 10 Rs of the circular economy: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle, and Recover, emphasizing their role in building a sustainable and peaceful future. This event built momentum for the upcoming Africa Peace and Environment Summit (APES 2), reinforcing the call to lead, act, and protect people, planet, and peace.

Empowering Youth for a Plastic-Free Future

In commemoration of World Environment Day, the Centre of Environmental Stewardship and SUSTAINABLE FUTURES AFRICA FOUNDATION hosted a pre-summit event at PEC Nature Park, focusing on plastic eradication and youth empowerment. The Mpenda Mazingira Initiative, a dynamic youth group, actively participated in practical exercises, learning plastic segregation, recycling, upcycling, and repurposing techniques. They creatively transformed plastic waste into art, showcasing the "waste into wealth" concept.

Renowned environmentalist Elijah Kibicho, "Kibicho wa Miti," led a session on combating plastic pollution, introducing the 10R framework: Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle, and Recover. He stressed that individual action is key to environmental change. The event concluded with a symbolic tree planting, reinforcing the commitment to a greener, plastic-free future.

Zero Plastic Festival 2025: Sustaining What Sustains Us

Samba Sports Youth Trust celebrated World Oceans Day with the impactful Zero Plastic Festival 2025, an event supported by the Kwale County Government. This three-day festival brought together community members, students, leaders, and organizations for an intergenerational celebration of marine conservation.

Attendees participated in numerous activities, including beach cleanups that collected over 150kg of plastic. Twelve workshops focused on the circular economy, marine sustainability, and community action. The festival also featured inspiring music, poetry, and sports, along with a Plastic Fashion Pageant showcasing creative upcycling. Discussions held in local languages fostered deeper engagement.

Key takeaways highlighted the importance of intergenerational dialogue in environmental education, how strategic partnerships amplify impact, and that local language inclusion enhances understanding and ownership. This experience powerfully reaffirmed the importance of inclusive, community-led action in tackling plastic pollution and preserving our natural resources.