Speeches
- Written by: Hon. Evgeny Nikulishchev, First Deputy Chairman Councillor, Parliament of Russia
Terrorism negates the most important right: the right to life. It defies any and all rights and freedoms, breeds fear and hatred, and hampers efforts to reform and improve our world. All of our efforts to revive and develop the global economy will be in vain if we do not vanquish terrorism, extremism, and intolerance.
- Written by: Robert Vandemeulebroucke, Honorary Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belgium
Case studies conflict prevention/conflict resolution: the fall of the Berlin Wall (1989), democratic elections in Benin (1989–1991), and the reconstruction of Europe and the creation of the European Community of Coal and Steel (Treaty of 1951)
- Written by: Prof. Lt. Gen. Somchai Virunhaphol, UPF-Thailand
Interfaith cooperation for peace could be one of our last efforts to remedy the erosion of religious principles as means to curb greed, selfishness, envy, desire for power, and a trace of hypocrisy. Sincerity in interfaith relations is a key for success as we join hands all together to bring the world back to the right path, which is a peaceful and harmonious life on earth.
- Written by: Hon. Dr. Pen Pannha, MP, Kingdom of Cambodia
Within a short span of less than two decades, Cambodia has demonstrated through its policy a model of peace and reconciliation. A large-hearted approach based on inclusion, generosity, and taking all on board has ensured a process where there no losers and all are victors. This also reflects the fact that all types of cooperative financing that Cambodia has hitherto received from its development partners have been increasingly more efficiently and effectively used.
- Written by: Peter Åkerbäck, Department of History of Religions, University of Stockholm, Sweden
Interfaith dialogue is important. From a Scandinavian perspective, it is very important that we include as many religious people, spiritual seekers, or whatever they call themselves, as possible. Being religious today takes many expressions, and the more who are included, the better the result.
- Written by: Olfat El-Mallakh, Adjunct Faculty, College of DuPage, USA
As a collective humanity we worship the same ideals in the person of the name of a God who was revealed to us in the manner and the language we embrace and comprehend as different peoples. It is time to adopt the “interfaith concert.” In other words, interfaith cooperation is the only way to go if we want to proceed into a bright future. We have no excuse to do otherwise!
- Written by: Prof. Dr. Jiwan Shrestha, Former President, Nepal Family Party
I believe that there is a necessity for a model partnership between governments and faith-based NGOs which can be an essential component of any new model of global governance. It is important that in building our civilizations, we enhance interfaith cooperation among governments, civil society, and the United Nations system.
- Written by: H.E. Daniel Ohene Agyekum, Ambassador of Ghana to the US
We all have a duty to make religious extremism unattractive, prevent it, and reject stereotyping of national, religious, or ethnic groups associated with violence while empowering moderates and promoting genuine brotherhood. World leaders should be committed and united in condemning and preventing the use of violence in the name of religious faiths or ideologies, not only within our communities but in the world at large.
- Written by: Prof. Dr. Fatmir Sejdiu, Former President, Republic of Kosovo
In the multiethnic and multicultural variety of Kosovo, a special component of this richness is the multi-religiousness of its people. The People of Kosovo believe in one God, they believe in his graciousness and mercy.
- Written by: Rev. Samuel King-Kabu, St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, Montreal, Canada
A choir conductor once gave this advice to the group of singers she was leading. "If you can't hear the voices beside you - you're singing too loudly." Harmony requires that we be able to hear others, that we deliberately alter our behavior and our attitudes so that we can hear our brothers and sisters in God.
- Written by: Rev. Sun Myung Moon, Founder, UPF
Because we were born in love and lived our lives in love, love is also the only thing that remains with us when we are in our graves. We receive our lives in love, live by sharing love, and return into the midst of love. It is important that we live our lives in a way that we can leave a legacy of love behind us.
- Written by: Hon. David Kilgour, Former Minister of State for Africa & Latin America, Canada
Ottawa, Canada - Concerns raised at a Parliament Hill Rally of the Friends of Sudan in Ottawa on January 7 in light of the January 9 South Sudan Referendum.