Closing Ceremony: 2026 Kofi Annan Peace Address

The Kofi Annan Foundation, the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform, and the Geneva Graduate Institute are pleased to present the sixth edition of the Kofi Annan Geneva Peace Address, the Geneva Peace Forum's flagship closing event.

The 2026 Peace Address will be delivered by Dr. Denis Mukwege, a Congolese gynaecologist, Human Rights Activist, 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winner, and Member of the Elders. An internationally respected gynecologist and human rights advocate, Dr. Mukwege has dedicated his life to supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through the Panzi Hospital and Foundation, he has pioneered a holistic model of care combining medical treatment, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and economic empowerment. His tireless advocacy against sexual violence as a weapon of war and his commitment to justice, accountability, and the dignity of survivors have made him one of the world's leading voices for peace and human rights.

This year also marks the inaugural presentation of the Kofi Annan Geneva Youth Peace Prize, which will honour an outstanding young peacebuilder who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in conflict prevention, mediation, dialogue, or reconciliation. The Prize aims not only to recognize remarkable achievements but also to empower the next generation of peacebuilders through international visibility, support, and engagement with Geneva's peace community.

Following the Peace Address, Dr. Mukwege and the Kofi Annan Geneva Youth Peace Prize Laureate will engage in an intergenerational conversation exploring how established and emerging leaders can work together to prevent conflict, foster inclusive dialogue, promote justice, and build sustainable peace. Their exchange will embody the spirit of the 2026 Geneva Peace Forum theme, "Choose Peace," highlighting the importance of courageous leadership, collective action, and intergenerational cooperation in addressing today's global challenges.