Afolabi Calls for Economic Investment to Strengthen Global Conflict Prevention

Afolabi Calls for Economic Investment to Strengthen Global Conflict Prevention

(Left-Right): Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Climate Financing, Mrs. Titi Oshodi; Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi; Permanent Representative of Nigeria to United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim; Former Chairman, O’odua Investment Company, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, GMD, O’odua Investment Company, Abdulrahman Yinusa and the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Development Partners Coordination, Dr. Bayo Adenekan at this year's United Nations General Assembly High-Level Global Executive Roundtable held in New York, United States. 

Bisi Akingbade 

Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, has called for greater integration of economic investment into global efforts to prevent conflicts, stressing that infrastructure development, job creation, trade and expanded economic opportunities can help tackle some of the underlying conditions that fuel instability.

Afolabi made the call in New York, United States, while speaking at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Global Executive Roundtable on Diplomacy, Multilateralism and Conflict Resolution.

He urged the international community to shift greater attention from reacting to conflicts after they erupt to strengthening preventive diplomacy, sustainable development and economic inclusion as tools for building lasting peace.

According to him, peace and prosperity are closely interconnected, with stable societies creating the conditions for investment, while investment and economic opportunities can contribute to stronger foundations for peace.

“Peace creates the environment for investment, investment creates opportunity, and opportunity strengthens the foundations of peace,” he said.

Afolabi noted that the global community is facing a complex mix of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate pressures, inequality and declining public trust in institutions. He said addressing these challenges requires coordinated action anchored on diplomacy, multilateralism, conflict resolution and sustainable economic development.

He further stressed that the connection between peace and development is particularly significant for Africa, where infrastructure gaps, financing challenges, trade barriers and limited economic opportunities continue to constrain the continent’s development prospects.