Speeches
- Written by: Robert Vandemeulebroucke, Former Belgian Ambassador
Today, with the exception of the war in the Balkans in the 1990s which dismembered the former Yugoslavia and created eight new states all aspiring to become EU-member states or having been granted membership status already, it is safe to say that Europe in its 2,000-year history of armed conflicts and wars has never known 65 years of continuous peace as it is enjoying today. In Europe this is a major feat by any standard.
- Written by: Dr. Walter Baar, Director of the Institute for Trends Research in Austria
When we look back to where it all began, we see that our own future depends primarily on ourselves. The message is simple and sustainable. The family could not be replaced by any organizational form or community because no one except the family can replace itself. So the question of multiculturalism and how people will live together has a lot to do with the development of the family. Beyond biological and sociological conditions the family always has offered orientation, value and sense of life. It has always been the core of society. Nothing has changed this fact, neither industrialization, nor globalization, nor secularization.
- Written by: Sergei Kuchinsky, Chair of the Executive Committee, Assembly of the Peoples of Russia
We are confronted more and more by manifestations of a kind of ethno-cultural expansion that could serve a cause for interethnic tension and conflicts. We witness it now in European nations, in Russia and other parts of the world.
- Written by: Saifullo Safarov, Deputy-director of the Center of Strategic Research under the President of Tajikistan
To promote sustainable social and economic development in Afghanistan, dialogue needs to take place among opposing factions and commercial and economic ties with neighboring nations need to be established.
- Written by: Walter Schwimmer, Former Secretary General of the Council of Europe
To achieve unity in diversity, Europe needs Russia, Russia needs Europe. Russia is an indispensable part of Europe. Russia’s culture has enriched European culture; European culture always had its impact on Russian culture.
- Written by: Nicolae Tau, Former Foreign Minister, Moldova
Religion remains an effective political tool due to two major reasons. First, the interpretation of religion is subject to innovation and change, which allows it to be accommodated to almost any political, social, or private need. Any scholar of religion also knows that religious traditions transform and change; it is the presumption that religions are ultimate and unchangeable that often makes them useful tools in conflicts between social groups.
- Written by: Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, President, Universal Peace Federation
Due to immigration, transportation, and communications we are increasingly exposed to the great plurality of cultures, nationalities, religions, and political ideologies that make up our world, and even our local communities. It is important that we digest this plurality, and even affirm it, while at the same time avoiding the slide into a cultural and moral relativism that abandons the quest for truth, absolute values, justice, and peace.
- Written by: Michael Platzer and Claire Laurent, ACUNS, Austria
Many countries all over the world face challenges when it comes to integration policies and strategies. Many countries do make the mistake to regard integration as a one-way process, meaning that migrants have to assimilate to the culture of the country of destination. But slowly, many people understand that it is a mutual process and that people do have to adapt to a new culture and maybe new laws but that locals also have to welcome newcomers and let them be a part of their lives. This is the only way true integration can be achieved successfully, and hopefully Austria is on the right track.
- Written by: Dr. Chung Sik Yong, Regional Chair, UPF-Asia
A leader with the heart of a parent is someone who sacrifices unconditionally. This is the nature of a parent, wanting to give, and give, and give, and still trying to give more.
- Written by: Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, President, Universal Peace Federation
Mindanao is often in the news as a place of tension and conflict, and as a place where religious differences between Muslims and Christians as well as ethnic differences contribute to the tensions.
- Written by: Rt. Hon. Gen Malimba N. Masheke, former Prime Minister, Zambia
I hasten to welcome my fellow participants and most distinguished dignitaries from abroad and our great country Zambia. I count it a singular honour and privilege in order to be part of you in this conference and to be one of the speakers on this topic: “Africa which way forward?”
- Written by: Dr. Antonio Betancourt, UPF Office of Peace and Security Affairs
Social structures await to be drawn up. Resources need to be found. But the fundamental purpose of the Arab Spring was to give people voice, and in democracies that voice is in the vote, and safeguarded in the nation’s constitution. If any meaningful group is marginalized in the process, then the Arab Spring and, in truth, Arab awakening, will only find yet another dawn to be awakened.