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S. Gyawali: Address to Peace Summit 2023, Session VII-A
Written by Mrs. Shova Gyawali, Director, Nepal Republic Media, Nepal
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Address to Peace Summit 2023
May 2-5, 2023
Respected moderator, dear Excellencies, distinguished guests, respected panelists, ladies and gentlemen, media representatives and also my international friends, good afternoon. Namaste. It is an honor to address this Peace Summit 2023. I am excited to have the opportunity to be here to engage in meaningful dialogues and exchange ideas on the roles of media and the economy.
Distinguished guests, firstly, I would like to acknowledge IMAP, International Media Association for Peace, for bringing together professionals and experts to share their knowledge on this topic. I would also like to recognize the presence of Mr. Thomas McDevitt, Chairman of The Washington Times.
Today, we live in a world facing unprecedented challenges, ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to economic inequality, political polarization, and climate change. Therefore, there is a need to promote dialogue, cooperation and understanding among nations, cultures and peoples. This is why the media and the economy have a critical role to play in promoting a culture of peace worldwide.
Dear guests, let me begin with the role of media. In today’s interconnected world, the media has an enormous influence on shaping public opinion and perceptions. Depending on how the media portrays different communities, cultures and nations, it can either promote peace or perpetuate conflict. For instance, by showcasing stories of people and communities that are working to build bridges between people and across cultures and national boundaries, like sharing True Mother’s life and her messages highlighting the commonalities that bind us together—true philosophy, peace, values and virtues—the media can promote understanding.
The media can also play a vital role in exposing injustice, which is often the root cause of conflict. Additionally, the media can promote peace by facilitating intercultural and interfaith dialogue. By providing a platform for people to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue, such as this conference, the media can foster greater appreciation of our shared humanity.
Dear guests, now let me turn to the role of the economy. The economy can promote peace by providing economic opportunity for all. When people have access to decent work, education, health care and other basic needs, they are less likely to be lured into extremist ideologies or engage in criminal activities. This is why we need an economy that promotes inclusive growth and provides opportunity for marginalized communities and regions. The economy can also promote peace by prioritizing sustainable development.
In conclusion, to build a culture of peace worldwide requires a collective effort from all of us. The media and the economy have critical roles to play in promoting peace, tolerance and understanding. We need media that is committed to promoting stories of peace and understanding, and an economy that promotes opportunities for all while respecting the limits of our planet. Let’s work together. Let’s work together to build a culture of peace that embraces our diversity and enriches our common humanity.
To conclude, I would like to express my gratitude to respected Mother Moon and UPF who have given me this platform. Thank you, Mother Moon. Thank you all for your kind attention. Thank you so much.
To go to the Peace Summit 2023 Schedule page, click here.