Cameroonian peacebuilding and media professional Rosaline Obah has received the 2026 Martin Luther King Freedom Award in Italy, recognising her work in peace education, non-violence, equality, communication, dialogue and community peacebuilding.
Rosaline Obah received the award on Saturday, 19 September, during the second edition of the Peace, Freedom and Human Rights International Award at the Norman-Swabian Castle of Sannicandro di Bari, ahead of the International Day of Peace marked today, 21 September. The ceremony was organised by the Foundation for World Peace, with the Léopold Sédar Senghor International Academy and the Academy of Arts and Philosophical Sciences as promoting bodies.
The Italian organisers identified Rosaline Obah as the recipient of the Martin Luther King Prize for Equality, describing the award as recognition of commitment to equality, coexistence and overcoming discrimination. The Foundation for World Peace's regulations describe the Martin Luther King Freedom Award as an honour for the affirmation of equality between people.
Rosaline Obah, who is also Director for Policy and Advocacy at the Young African Women Congress Network, described the recognition as a humbling moment in her professional journey. In a message marking the International Day of Peace, she said she "received the award with gratitude and humility" and acknowledged the organisations, colleagues, mentors and partners that had supported her work.
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She specifically thanked Massimo Massa and Cheikh Tidiane Gaye, co-presidents of the award, as well as the Foundation for World Peace, the Léopold Sédar Senghor International Academy, the Academy of Arts and Philosophical Sciences and other organisations involved in the initiative.
"My sincere appreciation goes to the organisers and everyone who made this memorable occasion possible, particularly Massimo Massa and Cheikh Tidiane Gaye via the Foundation for World Peace, the Léopold Sédar Senghor International Academy, the Academy of Arts and Philosophical Sciences, and the entire team behind this important initiative." she wrote
Roseline Obah also acknowledged Global Peace Let's Talk International, Rotary International, the Rotary Peace Fellowship Alumni Association, the Makerere University Rotary Peace Center and the Cameroon Community Media Network among organisations that had contributed to her professional journey.
Roseline Obah's recognition comes as the United Nations marks the 2026 International Day of Peace under the theme “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.” The United Nations says this year's observance highlights the work of “everyday architects of peace” who build stability through local action in communities, schools and neighbourhoods.
The UN established the International Day of Peace in 1981. In 2001, the General Assembly unanimously designated 21 September as a day devoted to non-violence and ceasefire.
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Roseline Obah said the Italian recognition should be viewed as a collective achievement rather than a personal destination. She linked it to the contribution of people and organisations that have created platforms for peacebuilding, communication, advocacy and community engagement.
"This award is therefore not mine alone. It reflects a journey shaped by collective effort, meaningful partnerships and countless people committed to building a more peaceful and inclusive world.Huge congratulations to Prof Marta Lescano Executive Director for Education at Global Peace Let’s Talk for receiving the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award. So proud of you." she stated
She said the experience of standing alongside peacebuilders, educators, academics, civil society leaders and advocates from different countries reinforced her belief in building connections across communities and cultures.
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Her latest recognition adds to a professional record centred on peace journalism, conflict transformation, gender advocacy and community communication. She has worked with the Cameroon Community Media Network and has been involved in peace journalism initiatives in Cameroon, including efforts to use community media to support dialogue and social cohesion.
In June 2026, she was also appointed a Continental Coordinator of the Rotary Peace Fellowship Alumni Association Africa, alongside other peacebuilding professionals.
As the world observes International Day of Peace, Rose Obah said the award has renewed her responsibility to continue listening, connecting, empowering and building bridges for peace.
She ended her message with a call for greater investment in inclusive peacebuilding, echoing the United Nations' 2026 focus on practical, everyday action for peace.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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