The Second Africa Peace & Environment Summit (APES 2) unfolded from September 2–4, 2025, at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Nairobi, drawing leaders, scholars, activists, and faith communities from across Africa. With the theme “People | Planet | Peace: Intertwining Human and Planetary Wellness,” the summit became a powerful space for dialogue on how human wellbeing and ecological balance must go hand in hand.
Among the proud organizers was the Harmony Institute, which moved beyond dialogue to tangible action of nourishing delegates, leading interfaith conversations, planting trees, and being recognized with two awards for its outstanding contributions.
THREE DAYS OF DIALOGUE AND ACTION
The summit unfolded in three powerful days of conversations and action. Day One explored the interconnectedness of human and planetary wellness, emphasizing that sustainable peace is impossible without ecological balance. Day Two turned to practical solutions, highlighting community-led responses to climate change, biodiversity loss, and peacebuilding. Day Three centered on collaboration, calling governments, faith actors, youth, and civil society to unite for a harmonious Earth. Together, the discussions underscored that peace and environmental justice are inseparable.
HARMONY INSTITUTE’S ACTIVE ROLE
A Voice of Faith and Hope
On Day 1 at noon, Harmony hosted a special panel on interfaith perspectives of creation and coexistence. The session brought together Dr. Hassan Kinyua Omari, Dr. Hassan Khannenje, and Rev. Fr. Innocent Maganya, who unpacked the moral, theological, and ethical foundations for protecting creation.
The discussion moved through three stages: first exploring the theological and ethical foundations of humanity’s relationship with the Earth; then examining faith-based responses to climate change; and finally reflecting on the commonalities and future outlooks shared across traditions.
What emerged was a rich tapestry of wisdom, emphasizing that all faiths teach stewardship, interconnectedness, and responsibility. The lively engagement from the audience highlighted how spirituality remains a powerful driver for climate justice and peace-building.
Nourishing the Conversation
For two days, Harmony Institute provided lunch to 600-700 people. This act of service not only ensured that participants were well nourished, but also embodied the Institute’s philosophy of care and hospitality as part of peace-building.
Planting Seeds of the Future
Beyond dialogue, Harmony’s Director joined other leaders in a tree planting ceremony at CUEA. This symbolic act echoed the summit’s spirit of turning words into action, and planting seeds of hope for generations to come.
RECOGNITION AND AWARDS
Harmony’s contributions did not go unnoticed. The Institute was honored with two prestigious awards, celebrating its leadership in advancing peace, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship. These recognition stands as a testament to the Institute’s growing role as a bridge between people and planet.
DISTINGUISHED VOICES
The summit also featured renowned leaders, including:
Prof. PLO Lumumba, celebrated Pan-African and APES 2 Brand Ambassador, Wanjira Mathai, a Kenyan environmentalist and activist, and the daughter of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai and Amb. Dr. Mary M. Khimulu, seasoned diplomat and APES 2 Brand Ambassador. Their powerful reflections, alongside grassroots voices, youth, and interfaith practitioners, underscored that building peace and protecting the planet must go hand in hand.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the summit concluded with a unified call to action, Harmony Institute reaffirmed its commitment to building a future where people, planet, and peace thrive together.
