The Aegis Trust has launched Isōko – the Centre for Humanity, marking a new chapter in Rwanda’s enduring contribution to global peacebuilding and genocide prevention.
Building on more than two decades of impact, from the creation of the Kigali Genocide Memorial to the integration of Peace and Values Education into Rwanda’s national curriculum, now reaching over 2.5 million students annually, the new centre that launched a few weeks ago, represents a bold step toward transforming lessons from Rwanda’s history into global action for peace.
At the helm of Isōko is Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the Global President of the Aegis Trust’s Isōko Centre for Humanity. A seasoned peacebuilder and mediator, Ms. Nderitu previously served as United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, where she championed the translation of genocide prevention from international principle into local community practice.
During her tenure at the United Nations, she developed groundbreaking frameworks such as the “Combating Holocaust and Genocide Denial” policy, the first UN document to recognize the IHRI definition, and the Nyamata Plan of Action for preventing hate speech and incitement to violence.
She also led initiatives to mainstream genocide prevention education, piloting programmes across Africa and Asia, and developing the UN’s first online course on countering hate speech.
“Isōko is where history, education, and humanity converge – a place to learn, to act, and to ensure that the promise of ‘Never Again’ is lived, not just remembered,” said Ms. Nderitu during the launch.
The Centre, headquartered in Kigali, is envisioned as a living global resource bringing together educators, researchers, policymakers, and civil society leaders to exchange knowledge and co-create practical solutions for peace and resilience.
Through Isōko, Aegis Trust aims to deepen collaboration between local experience and international expertise, advancing Rwanda’s role as a beacon of post-genocide recovery and a model for sustainable peacebuilding.
“Our journey began with remembrance,” said an Aegis Trust representative. “Today, with Isōko, we move from remembrance to global responsibility – ensuring that the lessons of Rwanda serve humanity as a whole.”
As the world faces growing threats from hate speech, disinformation, and violent extremism, Isōko emerges as a timely and transformative initiative, a testament to Rwanda’s leadership in shaping global peace from the ashes of its painful past.
