Speeches
- Written by: Richard G. Wilkins, J. Reuben Clark Law School Director, Brigham Young University, USA
Virtually every UN conference addresses contentious provisions regarding the role of the natural family, childhood autonomy, and children’s sexual rights. As these provisions are negotiated, the words that are used—the norms that are created—may become legally binding in the very near future. Each internationally negotiated document builds upon language used and objectives sought in preceding conferences and—as a result—forms an important link in a chain that inevitably encircles the international community.
- Written by: Cheryl Wetzstein, National reporter, The Washington Times
Should people bother to marry or is procreation just fine? Should marriage only be between one man and one woman or is it okay to have other configurations? Should sex be reserved for married people, or is it just another physical activity that should be conducted responsibly and safely by consenting adults?
- Written by: Frederick W. Schieck, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
President Bush’s Millennium Challenge Account initiative represents a bold new approach to what we have been working on for many years. We have seen success, but we have also learned that if political will is lacking in recipient countries, and if their policy structures are such that individual initiative to invest and create jobs is discouraged, then development is slow to nonexistent. Therefore, MCA represents an opportunity for the US development community, public and private, to focus on performance as the base on which assistance programs are built.
- Written by: Joseph Crowley, U.S. Congressman, New York Member, House International Relations Committee
Whatever the motivation, whether altruism or self-interest, the important part is that the United States continue its efforts to make the world a safer, more prosperous, and better place to live for us and for our future generations. I think we have to be a part of the global community.
- Written by: Darwin R. Bartram, Attorney, Baker and Hostetler, LLP
The creation of a permanent International Criminal Court presents real and immediate challenges for U.S. policymakers. If the court attempts to assert a global reach, affecting the nationals of non-signatories, then the United States should do everything in its power to oppose the court.
- Written by: Jargalsaikhany Enkhsaikhan, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Mongolia to the United Nations
What we, the representatives of smaller countries, are not happy about concerning the ICC Statute is that it does not, for example, reflect the crime of aggression. Most of the smaller states have been and might become victims of a crime of aggression, and unfortunately during negotiations it was agreed because of the stance of some greater powers that perhaps war crimes should not include at this stage the crime of aggression.
- Written by: Lilian M. Curaming, Franciscans Missionaries of Mary, the Philippines
There is a story that the leaders of two nations, one a fundamentalist theocracy the other a military dictatorship, visited God to find out when the turbulence in their countries would end and their peoples would be at peace. To the theocrat’s question, “Almighty, when will the troubles of my people end?” God answered, “Not in your lifetime.” It was the turn, next, of the military dictator to ask the same question. To him God answered: “Not in my lifetime.”
- Written by: Dr. Richard G. Wilkins, J. Reuben Clark Law School Director, The World Family Policy Center, Brigham Young University
The ongoing globalization process is rapidly producing hundreds of new international legal norms. Many of these norms influence the roles of women, men and family in society. Indeed, the role of women in society has received particular attention within the United Nations system. But while social progress for women is absolutely vital to continued social development, many of the norms recently articulated within the United Nations system pose particular challenges for societies that are committed to maintaining religious belief and natural family structures.
- Written by: Rev. Sun Myung Moon
Humanity is living in an age in which change is taking place at a faster pace than ever before. The world is feeling the need for dialogue among religions, harmony among the races, and understanding across cultures. Given this reality, I would like to take this opportunity to share a part of the philosophy of peace that I have believed, practiced, and taught throughout my life.
- Written by: John O’Sullivan, Former Editor-in-Chief, United Press International
How can the media contribute to a culture of peace? Very simply by ensuring the people and the voters are informed about every aspect of it. so that it is shaped only with their knowledge and with their consent. Otherwise it will be a mirage of peace, wonderfully impressive to the eye but liable to disintegrate instantly at the first touch of reality
- Written by: Steingrimur Hermannsson, Former Prime Minister of Iceland
Economic globalization refers to “the process enabling financial and investment markets to operate internationally.” In other words, globalization means to put the whole globe within reach of capital, and thus within reach of those who own the capital. Liberalization used in combination with globalization is a beautiful expression. But in this context it actually means liberty for the investment and financial markets. In other words, it means freedom for the owners of capital to act.
- Written by: H.E. Rodrigo Carazo, President, Republic of Costa Rica
The culture of peace is a way of life in which mutual respect produces social integration. There can be no peace if the respect for the other’s rights does not prevail.