The founder of a globally- renowned organisation which has successfully brokered peace between warring factions in over 30 conflict-ridden countries has been conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by a prestigious South African university.
Vasu Gounden was honoured for his "unique and outstanding contributions that have had a profound impact on society locally and at a global level," his Alma Mater, the University of KwaZulu-Natal said in a statement.
As the Founder and Executive Director of African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), Gounden has brokered peace in over 30 conflict-riddled countries, including in war-torn areas in Africa such as Burundi, Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and South Sudan; as well as in Palestine, Nicaragua and Sri Lanka; and is highly respected internationally for these efforts.
ACCORD's comprehensive peace model was officially recognised by the United Nations in 1996 as a viable model for Africa.
The University also lauded Gounden's role with the UN.
"It is noteworthy that (Gounden) is the first member of an African NGO in the history of the UN Security Council to be invited to address the Council," said the University's Media Relations Officer, Sejal Desai.
"Gounden has a formidable list of achievements that improves the fabric of society and is life-changing for ordinary men, women and especially children," Desai added.
Since its inception 24 years ago, ACCORD has trained over 20,000 stakeholders; prepared armed groups for negotiations; and contributed to mediation strategies and the content of peace agreements.
ACCORD is also contributing to policy and conflict management capacity at the United Nations and the African Union, the university statement said.
Recognising his work in peace and security led to the South African government appointing Gounden to serve on the South African Council on International Relations (SACOIR), an organisation that contributes directly to enhancing South Africa's role in peace and security in Africa and promotes South Africa's soft diplomacy role in global affairs.
In 1996 Gounden was also one of two South Africans nominated by the government to serve on the Commonwealth Secretary General's Good Offices Forum to mediate in international conflicts.
