A significant step toward strengthening Malawi’s peace infrastructure was taken on Friday 20 June 2025 in Lilongwe, where the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) and the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their partnership in advancing dialogue, mediation, and conflict resolution.

The MoU is designed to operationalize the Peace and Unity Act of 2022 by fostering cooperation between MPUC, as the national focal point for peacebuilding, and PAC, recognised for its long-standing role as an insider mediator in Malawi’s political and religious landscape.

The agreement outlines a shared approach to conflict prevention, building common understanding on responsibilities in dialogue and mediation, and strengthening coordination between national and local structures. Key areas of collaboration include:

• Joint dialogue and mediation at the national and district levels.
• Technical knowledge exchange and capacity building.

• Coordination between local peace structures and national institutions

• Support for inclusive, rights-based approaches to conflict resolution

Delivering her remarks, Impi Bishop Mary Nkosi, Chairperson of the MPUC, said: “This ceremony marks more than the signing of a document. It is the affirmation of a shared commitment to peace, unity, and dialogue in our beloved Malawi.”

“Today, we do not begin a relationship; we affirm and strengthen an existing one. We honour PAC’s unseen but invaluable signature on the journey that birthed the Peace and Unity Act, and we build on a history of mutual respect, engagement, and partnership.”

In his remarks, Monsignor Dr. Patrick Thawale, Chairperson of PAC, stated: “This MoU provides an opportunity for a non-state actor such as PAC and a state institution such as the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission to collaborate in fostering peace, promoting dialogue, and building a united Malawi.”

The initiative was supported by the United Nations through the Peacebuilding Fund. Under the coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, agencies such as UNDP, UN Women and UNFPA continue to support Malawi’s peace architecture through technical and financial assistance.

As Malawi continues its efforts to build inclusive, resilient systems for managing conflict, the MPUC–PAC partnership reflects the importance of aligning institutional strengths, community engagement, and national policy under a shared commitment to unity.