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B. Kalita: Address to World Summit 2017
Written by Hon. Bhubaneswar Kalita, Member of Parliament, India
Friday, February 3, 2017
Address to World Summit 2017, Seoul, Korea, February 1 to 5, 2017
I am delighted to know that within two years of the inauguration of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), this global assembly is being attended by more than 400 members of parliament from 120 different countries. This proves the success of our vision for world peace and unity. The universe is one. In India we say, “Vashudauiva Kutumbakam.” ( “The world is one family.”) Peace and human development are the path to its achievement. The disparity that we see today, particularly the growing gap between rich and poor, is alarming and needs serious attention. Today, the conflicts between neighbors and within communities are due to lack of human development. This is an issue affecting peace and security. We, the parliamentarians, have an important role to play—as parliamentarians are the bridges between the people, the legislators and the governments.
Conflict and violence are inherent in human nature and society. Every individual, group, institution and organization carries it within. Interests, situations and natures clash, conflicts arise and violence sometimes occurs. At the same time, cooperation, reconciliation and peaceful resolution of conflict and differences are also part of the human nature.
There may be questions about the survival of humanity if conflict and violence keeps growing and peace keeps retreating. It should shock us that we are among the most violent beings on the earth. The reasons may be many, such as social and economic inequalities, or problems with neighbors. It is our task to address these issues and reduce the potential for conflict and violence within ourselves and in our environment. We, in a conference like this, must consider these thoughts.
Conflicting neighbors must realize that we cannot change our neighbors; instead we must learn to live side by side, and work out our differences.
Historically India comprised more than 600 different states, but it became one union of India, with many languages, cultures, hundreds of different dialects, religions and races. The people of India have learned to live together peacefully.
We have to live in diversity, and seek unity in diversity. The principle to promote a global culture of peace and mutual understanding by Rev. Dr. Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon can help us bring unity in diversity.
Hon. Bhubaneswar Kalita, Member of Parliament, India
Hon. Bhubaneswar Kalita is an Indian social worker, politician and a Member of Parliament. He earned his Masters in Arts in 1974 and L.L.B. in 1978 from Gauhati University. Recently Hon. Kalita visited Nepal and Bangladesh in the official delegation of President Mukherjee of India in November 2016 and Nigeria and Republic of Mali in the official delegation of Vice President Ansari of India in October 2016.
To go to the 2017 World Summit Conference Schedule, click here.