Lamu County, Kenya, has taken its peacebuilding experience to the United Nations General Assembly, with Governor Issa Timamy advocating for stronger partnerships between local governments, communities, and international actors to prevent conflict and promote development. Timamy emphasized that lasting peace is built at the community level, where people experience security, access to services, trust in institutions, and social cohesion. He was speaking as a keynote speaker at an Open Society Foundations side event during the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
Timamy stressed that local governments should have a greater role in shaping global peace and security initiatives. He noted that everyday safety is shaped locally and that communities and local governments should not only benefit from international expertise but also contribute knowledge and solutions drawn from their own experiences. The governor cited Lamu's experience, which showed that peacebuilding works best when communities are involved and when governance is built around trust, resilience, and partnerships.
The governor linked Lamu's improved peace and stability to its economic prospects, saying investors were increasingly able to view Lamu as a place where they can plan for the long term rather than one defined by security risks. He cited opportunities in industrial development, oil-related investments, palm-oil processing, and other private-sector activities, which could create jobs for young people and opportunities for local businesses. Increased investment could also lead to infrastructure development, stronger supply chains, and greater integration of Lamu into the wider economy.
Timamy described Lamu's UCLG Peace Prize 2026 as more than recognition of the county's peacebuilding efforts, saying it was also an economic asset and a responsibility. He emphasized that peace provides the foundation on which development and investment can take root. The governor was accompanied by Shee Kupi Shee, Director of Disaster Risk Management and Peace Building in the County Government of Lamu, who coordinated the county's participation in the New York forum.
The engagement comes as Lamu seeks to build on its international recognition and share its locally led peacebuilding experience with other governments and international partners. Timamy called for greater knowledge exchange between local governments, communities, and international institutions, saying local solutions should be shared and scaled up to address global challenges. He also emphasized the importance of learning from other communities and building partnerships that can extend the impact of locally driven peacebuilding.
Lamu's participation at the UN forum was an opportunity not only to showcase the county's experience but also to learn from other communities and build partnerships that can extend the impact of locally driven peacebuilding. The governor's presentation highlighted the importance of community-led peacebuilding and the role of local governments in shaping global peace and security initiatives. The event provided a platform for Lamu County to share its success story and learn from other countries and international organizations.
The Lamu County government's peacebuilding efforts have gained international recognition, with the county receiving the UCLG Peace Prize 2026. The prize is a testament to the county's commitment to peacebuilding and its efforts to promote stability and development. The county's experience serves as a model for other governments and communities seeking to promote peace and stability in their areas.
Key points
- Lamu County Governor Issa Timamy presents community-led peacebuilding model at UNGA.
- Local governments should have a greater role in shaping global peace and security initiatives.
- Peace provides the foundation on which development and investment can take root.
