International Cities of Peace is an association of citizens, governments and organizations who have by proclamation, resolution, or by citizen advocacy established their communities as official Cities of Peace. With the purpose of promoting safety, prosperity and guaranteeing the quality of life of all citizens, the association's concept of pursuing excellence and sustainable development has been widely recognized by the international community. Over 270 cities in about 58 countries and regions are now on the International Cities of Peace list. In 2017，Nanjing became the 169th city of peace. 

On March 22, as COVID-19 began to spread across Africa, the leaders of 13 cities of peace in Africa requested support from the UNESCO Chair on Peace Studies at Nanjing University (hereinafter referred to as "the Chair") to fight the virus in their community. In some poverty-stricken African countries or regions, a more troubling crisis loomed due to a lack of medical supplies. 

Jesse Gimba, leader of Wamba City in Nigeria, said in the letter: "The virus is separating loved ones. It's separating families, friends and also affecting our educational system. We request assistance, medical and materials … to stay safe in our community."

John Tilji Menin, leader of Kabarnet City in Kenya, noted: "We are working on ensuring continuity of learning outside school for our first peace school. However, Internet connectivity/speed is poor, besides the fact that majority of children can't afford data bundles, and there are daily power blackouts. We expect assistance to help us meet the needs of children." 

Princito Kitumaini, leader of City of Mwenga in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said, "There is panic at the moment here in Mwenga as there are no hospitals which have test kits for COVID-19. We need training, protective equipment and means of transport because here the roads are too bad to go to the city to get drugs."

After receiving the letters, the Chair took immediate action. With the support of the Nanjing Government, the Chair arranged assistance, including materials to spread knowledge and raise awareness about epidemic prevention in African cities and funds raised through charitable donations for these cities. 

Nanjing provided assistance to a total of 13 cities of peace in Africa, including Mathare and Kabarnet in Kenya; Fizi and Mwenga in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Monrovia in Liberia; Akwa Ibom, Kubwa and Wamba in Nigeria; Nateete, Kampala and Kanyanya in Uganda; Kabompo in Zambia; and Bamenda in Cameroon. 

After funds were sent to the cities of peace, their leaders immediately purchased epidemic prevention and control materials and distributed them to local people. At the same time, the funds were used to carry out activities to help local residents learn methods to protect themselves.  

With funds arranged by Nanjing, Bamenda in Cameroon placed hand-wash equipment in a local community to prevent infection 

J. Fred Arment, Executive Director of International Cities of Peace, highly praised Nanjing's assistance in helping International Cities of Peace in Africa combat the virus. "I send my thanks to the people of Nanjing for the help and support. In this difficult time, we are together, side-by-side in cooperation," he said. 

J. Fred Arment, Executive Director of International Cities of Peace, expresses appreciation to Nanjing people through a video message 

Nanjing’s assistance to Africa has also been fully affirmed by UNESCO. On April 20, UNESCO expressed appreciation to the Chair: “We took note of the efforts made by UNESCO Chair on Peace Studies at Nanjing University to assist those affected by COVID-19 in Africa.” 

LOGO of UNESCO Chair on Peace Studies at Nanjing University 

"The medical system in some African countries is weak, and only by solidarity and cooperation can the international community overcome the epidemic," Liu Cheng, UNESCO Chair on Peace Studies and a professor at Nanjing University, told ChinAfrica. 

According to Liu, the traditional friendship between China and Africa has withstood the test of history and changes in the international situation, and is rock-solid and unbreakable. "This time, in the face of the epidemic, Nanjing's assistance to African countries and peace cities has further consolidated the friendship between China and Africa. Non-governmental mutual assistance reflects the Chinese people's practice under the principle of building a community of shared future for humanity," Liu told ChinAfrica.