The African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) forum, which took place at the University of Rwanda’s Huye based campus on Saturday last week, focused on how moral values should be connected to professional life. Taking place in Rwanda for the first time, the forum attracted 700 delegates, comprised of religious leaders, youth influencers and public figures from both Africa and around the world. The forum was organized by Bible Society in Rwanda in partnership with African Bible Societies and Christian organizations. Caren Wakoli, a Founder of Kenya’s youth organization, Emerging Leaders Foundation (ELF), who was one of the panelists, said that Africa is increasingly realizing that young people matter and cannot be ignored. “Young people are recognized and are affirmed that good, value-based leadership works. ABLI is also here to challenge young people that the solutions they seek are within them,” she said. ABLI operations had an impact in other countries where it was held such as Ethiopia, Eswatini, and Kenya. Dr. Mohammed Girma, an international advocate from British Bible Society that funds ABLI told The New Times that ABLI forum has been held since 2009 and “the impact is starting manifest.” “In ABLI, we say young people’s role should not be transported in the future because it is now. ABLI is mostly used as a platform and a gathering point for leaders to meet and elaborate on important issues and we have seen it working in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia,” he added. ABLI has been holding forums in Africa since 2009. On October 23, ABLI international forum will be held in Kigali under the theme of “From Trauma to Triumph: Synergizing Leadership for Healing and Harmony”. Over 1000 youth from 25 countries will attend. According to the General Secretary of Bible Society in Rwanda, Pastor Therese Mukamakuza, the forum was brought to Rwanda because the country qualifies to hold a continental forum in terms of safety and means. Paul Boateng, a UK Member of Parliament, who was also one of the panelists emphasized that Rwanda has so much to give when it comes to applying morals and integrity in professional fields. ABLI was established in 2009 in Ethiopia. Its forums aim at bringing political, civil society and church leaders together to engage with the Bible in the context of Africa’s challenges and opportunities. This year’s summit will reflect on Rwanda’s recovery from the tragic 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to becoming a model of resilient leadership and reconciliation. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
