General News
Rev. Dr. Christian Kweitsu Urges UN to Amplify Africa’s Voice in Global Decision-Making
By Angel No Lie | KPD News Online | November 1, 2026
Rev. Dr. (H.C.) Christian Kwetey Kweitsu, a representative of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Ghana, has called for greater commitment to listening, dialogue and inclusive decision-making as essential tools for peacebuilding, as the United Nations marks its 81st anniversary.
Speaking virtually at the anniversary celebration, Rev. Dr. Kweitsu addressed the theme, “The Role of Listening and Being Heard in Peacebuilding,” drawing connections between his professional background in audiology and the growing need for meaningful communication in resolving conflicts.
He emphasized that hearing and listening are not the same, arguing that the ability to receive sound does not necessarily translate into understanding, empathy or action.
According to him, effective peacebuilding requires individuals, institutions and governments to move beyond simply hearing grievances to understanding the concerns behind them and responding constructively.
Listening as a Foundation for Peace
Drawing on the four stages of hearing — gathering sound, amplification, transformation and interpretation — Rev. Dr. Kweitsu explained that peacebuilding processes could similarly fail when concerns are ignored, marginalized voices are not valued, information is distorted or leaders fail to respond with empathy.
He cited family disagreements, political tensions and international conflicts as examples of situations where poor communication and a lack of understanding can undermine peaceful coexistence.
The peace advocate maintained that when people feel ignored for prolonged periods, their frustrations may escalate into protests and other forms of confrontation.
He therefore urged political leaders to create opportunities to engage citizens meaningfully, particularly traders, farmers, transport operators and residents of underserved communities.
Calls for Greater Inclusion in Global Governance
Rev. Dr. Kweitsu also raised concerns about Africa’s representation in international decision-making, particularly within the United Nations Security Council.
He questioned whether the global body adequately reflects the voices and interests of African countries, noting that the continent remains without a permanent seat with veto power on the Security Council.
He further highlighted what he described as the imbalance between Africa’s contribution to global challenges and its representation in decisions concerning climate change, public health, debt and technological development.
“We are in the room, but not on the microphone,” he said, calling for a shift from treating Africa primarily as a recipient of aid to recognizing the continent as an equal partner in global development.
He urged international institutions to engage African nations more meaningfully and incorporate their perspectives, experiences and indigenous knowledge into global policy decisions.
Advocates Listening at Home and in Politics
At the family level, Rev. Dr. Kweitsu stressed the importance of creating safe environments where children, spouses and other family members can express their concerns without fear of being dismissed.
He argued that peace within the home is fundamental to achieving peace in society, warning that emotional neglect and poor communication can deepen misunderstandings.
On governance, he called for leaders to prioritize dialogue over confrontation and to listen to citizens with the intention of understanding rather than merely responding to criticism.
He also stressed the need for responsible communication, urging individuals, particularly young people, to express grievances without resorting to insults, misinformation, tribal prejudice or hate speech.
Three Proposals for Advancing Peace
As the United Nations prepares to enter its 82nd year, the UPF Ghana representative outlined three proposals to promote a culture of listening and peaceful engagement.
First, he called for the establishment of structured listening platforms, including weekly family listening sessions, monthly parliamentary citizen engagement forums and a proposed Global Listening Day to encourage meaningful dialogue between world leaders and ordinary people.
Second, he advocated training young people in what he described as “Peace Articulation” — the ability to communicate grievances clearly, respectfully and without hostility.
Third, he urged the amplification of marginalized voices, particularly those affected by conflict, poverty, environmental destruction and global inequalities.
He called on the United Nations and peace organizations to ensure that the concerns of vulnerable communities are not merely heard but translated into meaningful action.
Peacebuilding Beyond Words
Rev. Dr. Kweitsu, an audiologist with more than two decades of professional experience at KRISPAT Hearing Centre Ghana, said his work in helping people regain hearing had strengthened his understanding of the relationship between communication, dignity and social inclusion.
Referencing his book, Amplifying Life, he explained that effective listening goes beyond receiving information to recognizing and affirming the humanity of others.
He concluded by urging families, political leaders and international institutions to cultivate deeper listening and clearer communication, stressing that peace becomes possible when people feel understood, valued and included.
He called for renewed commitment to the ideals of the United Nations, the Universal Peace Federation and the promotion of a peaceful global community.
Source: Gabrielle Abigail Arkorful-Mensah