Professor Danladi Abok Atu, Director-General of the African Peace Institute and Social Studies (APIS), has called for a people-centred approach to peace, security, development and governance as a critical response to the complex challenges confronting the contemporary world.
Professor Atu made the call while delivering a keynote paper titled, “Peace, Security and the Human Condition: Navigating Conflict, Displacement, Gender Issues and Artificial Intelligence in a Fractured World,” at the 2026 International Hybrid Conference organised by the Department of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Faculty of Social Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
The conference, holding from September 1–2, 2026, at the NOUN International Conference Centre, brought together scholars, peace practitioners, policymakers, researchers and other stakeholders to examine emerging challenges affecting peace, security and human development.
In his keynote presentation, Professor Atu emphasised the interconnectedness of conflict, displacement, gender concerns and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, noting that these issues require responsive institutions, inclusive policies and innovative approaches capable of protecting human dignity and promoting sustainable peace.
Summarising the central message of his presentation, Professor Atu declared:
“Security MUST protect people, Development MUST empower people, Peace MUST include people, Governance MUST be accountable to people.”
He explained that security measures should go beyond the protection of territories and institutions to prioritise the safety, dignity and wellbeing of citizens.
According to him, development must create opportunities that empower vulnerable and marginalised communities, while sustainable peace can only be achieved when people are meaningfully included in peacebuilding processes.
He also stressed that governance must be anchored on accountability, justice and service to the people, particularly in societies confronted by conflict, displacement and growing social inequalities.
The conference attracted distinguished personalities, including Professor Udumu Oji Udumu, Vice-Chancellor, NOUN, who served as Chief Host; Professor Kamal Bello, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, NOUN, as Host; Dr Talwo Philip Orebiyi, Head, Department of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, NOUN, as Convener; Dr Adeola Adams, Chairman, Conference Organising Committee; Dr Theresa Omang Okoli, Chairperson, Departmental Conference Committee; and Mrs Temitope Oluwafemi Olowolafe, Secretary, Departmental Conference Committee, among other academics and stakeholders.
In recognition of his contributions to peace studies, conflict resolution and human security, Professor Danladi Abok Atu was also honoured with a Distinguished Peace Award by the Department of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, NOUN.
The honour further underscores his contributions to scholarship, advocacy and practice in the fields of peace, security and human development.
