Liberia: Cummings Attends Global Retreat in Italy

Liberia's presidential hopeful, Alexander Cummings, was among several current aspirants and former world leaders attending a three-day retreat of world leaders and statesmen and women, hosted by the Brenthurst Foundation in Italy.

The Brenthurst Foundation retreat, which focused on “Best Practice in Making Peace,” was held from July 3-5, in Italy at Cadenabbia on Lake Como. It was attended by world leaders and statesmen and women, hosted by the Brenthurst Foundation that focused on “Best Practice in Making Peace”.

Cummings, the political leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), was among aspiring candidates who played a formal role and spoke on a panel. 

"It was a great honor and opportunity to have been invited to speak at this event, the Brenthurst Foundation, which  brings the world’s leading policy-makers, policy-shapers, leaders, thinkers and practitioners together to innovate ways to enhance peace, economic growth and development,” Cummings said in a Facebook post, adding that it was wonderful to have represented Liberia.

His presentation focused on three themes, using the Liberian experience as a basis, including the prevention of conflict, by ensuring elections integrity as a key factor, the sustainable peace, highlighting the role of women and sustaining peace through inclusive governments, where everyone is represented and inclusive economic expansion and opportunity, eliminating corruption and ensuring a functioning judiciary.

Cummings said he was proud that other speakers acknowledged and referenced his presentation throughout the retreat. 

“Most of the former Presidents and world leaders were very engaging, especially President Obasanjo and former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, who led the panel on the Middle East peace process and sat next to me,” the ANC Political Leader said.

Other world leaders present at the retreat  were former President Seretse Khama Ian Khama (Botswana), former President Kgalema Motlanthe (South Africa), as well as former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia.

Also present were former Vice President of Colombia, Francisco Santos and Ugandan opposition figure Bobbi Wine, as well as other respected leaders. Liberia's former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf participated in the three day retreat via Zoom.

Cummings said he left the retreat convinced that Liberia is headed in the right direction and is properly positioned with past and current global leaders “with our Real Change message and to push the CREATING PEACE agenda.”

“It was impressive that we do have an array of past presidents who have peacefully handed over power, prioritizing their national peace, democracy, and transition. These are lessons we can all apply in our parties, communities, religious institutions and country at large,” Cummings said. 

Born in 2004, the Brenthurst Foundation was established by the Oppenheimer family to build on the work of the Brenthurst Initiative of 2003. This was a programme that instigated debate around policy strategies in South Africa to accelerate economic expansion. The debate continues across the continent, driven by the sharing of ideas, data, and experiences.

As such, the Foundation provides thought leadership, based on its own research and develops new thinking to address Africa’s challenges and offers policy advice to African governments based on unique insights from its wide experience across the continent.  The group also convenes meetings, seminars and conferences, such as the retreat attended by Cummings and other leaders,  to facilitate the exchange of experiences and insights.