WARSAW, POLAND / ABUJA, NIGERIA — The PAVA Continental Peace Initiative (PAVA-CPI) has announced the appointment of H.E. Amb. Agata Smolarek as its Diaspora Voice Representative in the Republic of Poland (PAVA-DVP-PL), with special responsibilities for international legal affairs, human rights advocacy and Europe–Africa cooperation.

According to the organisation, the appointment follows the completion of PAVA’s nomination and approval process and the endorsement of H.E. Amb. Loubna Jacqueline Laanaya, Secretary-General and Continental Goodwill Ambassador of PAVA.

PAVA says the move marks a further step in its international engagement and its commitment to strengthening Africa–Europe relations through peacebuilding, professional exchange, inclusive leadership and sustainable development.

Appointee

H.E. Amb. Agata Smolarek

Role

Diaspora Voice Representative, Poland (PAVA-DVP-PL)

Focus

International legal affairs, human rights, Europe–Africa cooperation

Endorsed by

H.E. Amb. Loubna Jacqueline Laanaya, Secretary-General

Professional background

Amb. Smolarek is a Polish legal professional, attorney at law, international business consultant, humanitarian advocate and entrepreneur. Her experience spans legal affairs, public administration, environmental protection law, institutional compliance and sustainable governance, PAVA said.

Her background includes membership of the District Bar of Attorneys at Law in Wrocław, Poland, and experience coordinating legal assistance in the environmental protection and public administration sectors. PAVA considers this combination of legal expertise, administrative experience and public-service commitment a strong foundation for its engagement in Poland.

How the appointment came about

Continental Deputy Director welcomes the appointment

Commenting on the appointment, Amb. Chimbo Obieze, Continental Deputy Director of PAVA, described it as a strategic milestone in the organisation’s expanding international presence.

“The appointment of Amb. Agata Smolarek is more than an institutional designation; it is a strategic investment in professional leadership, international cooperation and the future of Africa–Europe relations.”Amb. Chimbo Obieze, Continental Deputy Director, PAVA

He emphasised that sustainable peace requires competent leadership, institutional collaboration, respect for human rights and legal accountability, alongside individuals capable of building relationships across geographical, cultural and institutional boundaries.

“Amb. Agata brings an important combination of legal knowledge, public administration experience and professional commitment. We are confident that her contribution will strengthen our engagement in Poland and create meaningful opportunities for cooperation between African institutions, European stakeholders, civil society organisations and international partners.”

Amb. Obieze added that her responsibilities would support PAVA’s efforts to promote constructive dialogue and practical responses to shared challenges.

“PAVA is not simply building a network of representatives; we are building a community of responsible leaders committed to discovering leaders, training leaders and deploying leaders for sustainable peace and development.”

Secretary-General’s endorsement

The appointment received the approval and endorsement of H.E. Amb. Loubna Jacqueline Laanaya. PAVA says her endorsement reflects confidence in Amb. Smolarek’s professional experience, leadership potential and capacity to contribute to its continental and international objectives, and underscores the organisation’s emphasis on competence, integrity and constructive cross-border engagement.

Mandate and responsibilities

As Diaspora Voice Representative in Poland, Amb. Smolarek will support PAVA’s work in five priority areas. Select an area to read more.

Strengthening Africa–Europe engagement

Through the appointment, PAVA says it seeks to deepen engagement with professional networks, humanitarian organisations, civil society institutions and African diaspora communities in Poland. Amb. Smolarek’s representation will focus on dialogue and collaboration, particularly in legal affairs, human rights, peacebuilding, governance and development cooperation.

The role will also support stronger connections between African diaspora communities and their countries of origin, encouraging initiatives grounded in mutual understanding, shared responsibility and sustainable prosperity.

PAVA’s institutional vision

PAVA describes its work as operating under the aegis of the Africa Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly, with priorities aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 and the Future Trends African Manifesto.

The organisation says it brings together public institutions, civil society, youth and women leaders, traditional and faith-based institutions, professionals and development partners in support of peace education, good governance, social development and inclusive economic opportunity.

A new chapter of cooperation

PAVA congratulated H.E. Amb. Agata Smolarek on her appointment and welcomed her to its continental leadership community. It said it looks forward to her contribution in strengthening its presence in Poland, advancing Africa–Europe partnerships and supporting its mission of sustainable peace and development.

Source note: This report is based on a statement issued by the Office of the Continental Deputy Director, PAVA Continental Peace Initiative (PAVA-CPI), for the PAVA Continental Secretariat, dated 3 November 2026. Details, credentials and quotations are attributed to PAVA and have not been independently verified by FFN.