The Honourable Minister of Defence H. E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, has delivered the keynote lecture at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum and called for dialogue and consultation as pillars of regional peace.

Speaking under the session theme: “Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development,” the Minister said that building Regional Peace through dialogue and consultation are most effective instruments for preventing conflict and sustaining regional security.

Addressing defence and security leaders, policymakers, diplomats and academics from more than 100 countries, the Minister argued that constructive engagement and inclusive processes are fundamental to lasting peace. He stated, “Dialogue succeeds where confrontation fails. It is the foundation on which lasting security is built.”

Drawing on Nigeria’s experience, the Badaru highlighted the country’s role in regional and domestic peacebuilding, including:

• Leadership in ECOWAS interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia;

• Contributions to the Multinational Joint Task Force operations against Boko Haram;

• Domestic initiatives such as the Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta and Operation Safe Corridor.

He emphasised that even the most complex crises can be resolved when dialogue is paired with inclusion, legitimacy and sustained engagement.

Linking his remarks to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Minister reaffirmed that Nigeria’s strategic autonomy and proactive international engagement underpin its contributions to regional and global peace. He noted that domestic reform and multilateral cooperation are mutually reinforcing paths to security, stability and development.

In conclusion, the Hon minister called on global partners to embrace dialogue, consultation and collaboration as shared responsibilities in upholding international order and advancing peaceful development.