MONROVIA – Liberia is not short of capable sons and daughters that are well groomed and capable to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with or even surpass peers in every field of life. The list of world-class Liberians is long, and amongst these smart, articulate and well-refined Liberians is also renowned businessman and politician Mr. Alexander Cummings. He took on top positions working at World Coca Cola for years at which time he also cultivated an amiable place in international diplomacy and amongst elites. The other day the Liberian opposition leader was invited by the famous Brenthurst Foundation with a formal speaking role on a panel at their annual retreat held in the plush Lake Como Resort in Cadenabbia, Italy. With several former and present world leaders in presence, Mr. Cummings sermonized global peace—who to prevent, make it, sustain it. The Analyst reports.
The Political Leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, has speaking to an international audience on the essence of regional and global peace, talking strategies on how to prevent peace, make peace and sustain peace.
From July 3 to the 5th, Mr. Cummings and a host of world leaders, were at the luxurious Cadenabbia Hotel on Lake Como in Italy for what is called the Lake Como Retreat organized the Brenthurst Foundation.
In a letter of invitation to Mr. Cumings, the group said: “We are organizing our annual retreat at Cadenabbia on Lake Como in Italy on the topic of ‘Best Practice in Making Peace’, which is, of course, more relevant than ever given the Russian invasion of Ukraine”.
Accordingly, the event, which is held annually in conjunction with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, centered on the lessons from bringing peace to conflicts and their application particularly to Africa.
“Your contribution to this discussion would be very important to us,” the Invite to Mr. Cummings read. “This retreat at the Italian resort on the shores of Lake Como offers participants a welcome break from their very busy agendas to take time to think deeply on an important subject and to share their views with other participants.”
Cummings Post
In a social media post, the ANC leader wrote: “I just spent a fascinating three days, July 3-5, in Italy at Cadenabbia on Lake Como attending a retreat of world leaders and statesmen and women, hosted by the Brenthurst Foundation that focused on ‘Best Practice in Making Peace.’ It was a great honor and opportunity to have been invited to speak at this event.
According to Mr. Cummings, the Brenthurst Foundation brings the world’s leading policy-makers, policy-shapers, leaders, thinkers and practitioners together to innovate ways to enhance peace, economic growth and development.
“Among aspiring candidates, I was the only one with a formal speaking role on a panel,” he said in the social media post. “It was a wonderful experience to represent our country Liberia. My presentation focused on three themes using the Liberian experience as a basis — preventing conflict – where I used ensuring elections integrity as a key means; making peace – where I highlighted the role of women and the fact that we have 2 women laureates, and sustaining the peace.”
Mr. Cummings related that he postulated inclusive governments where everyone is represented and inclusive economic expansion and opportunity where eliminating corruption and a functioning judiciary are key.
“I am proud to say that other speakers acknowledged and referenced my presentation throughout the retreat,” he said, adding: “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.”
He noted that other world leaders present were former President Seretse Khama Ian Khama (Botswana), former President Kgalema Motlanthe (South Africa), former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn (Ethiopia), etc. There was also former Vice President of Colombia, Francisco Santos and Ugandan opposition figure Bobbi Wine as well as other respected leaders. Our own former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia), participated by Zoom.
“I left this retreat convinced that we are headed in the right direction and are properly positioned with past and current global leaders with our Real Change message and to push the CREATING PEACE agenda,” Mr. Cummings further asserted.
“It is 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,” he said. “God bless and look forward to being home soon.”