Speeches
- Written by: Ven. Dr. Bellanwila Wimalaratana, Chancellor, Sri Jayawardenapura University, Sri Lanka
Perhaps we all can agree that no religion espouses the cause of war. There is no single religion, among the main religions of the world that urges its followers to embark upon a course of war, for whatever reason. On the contrary, all religions aim at bringing about peace and harmony, and safety and security for the life and property of all.
- Written by: Dr. Doudou Diène, Former UN Rapporteur on the Middle East, France
I think the first challenge is a moral challenge, or ethical challenge. How is it that in the 21st century a continent which had been putting itself at the center of world civilization, and which has proclaimed the universality of its values – universality means the world – how come this continent has become a place where the notion of being foreigner, the notion or concept of immigration, is becoming a bad word in some way? And that all people coming from outside Europe are feeling rejected. What is the deeper meaning of this contradiction?
- Written by: Prof. Tihomir Domazet, President, Croatian Institute of Finance and Accounting, Croatia
We in this part of this old continent should find our own way to get out from the trap in which we are at the moment. No longer can old European, or Japanese or American models be the guide; we have to emulate now under different conditions those successful models from the past.
- Written by: H.E. Antonio Miloshoski, Chair, Foreign Affairs Committee, Macedonia
I will deliver a few points and thoughts regarding one of the most important issues in Europe today, and that’s the issue of the huge wave of migrants coming from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and many other countries, something that has never happened on this scale in the last 50 years or more.
- Written by: H.E. Anote Tong, president, Republic of Kiribati
Indeed, if the whole world were to embrace the vision of the late Reverend Moon and Mrs. Moon, promoting reconciliation, coexistence and cooperation, the world certainly would be a better and a more peaceful world. And I do congratulate you, Dr. Moon and members of the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, for inaugurating an initiative of immense international significance.
- Written by: Dr. Modadugu Vijay Gupta, assistant director general (retired) at WorldFish, Malaysia
I feel it an honor and privilege to be selected for the first Sunhak Peace Prize. I am glad that the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee recognizes the importance of food security, environmental integrity and overall socioeconomic development as essential prerequisites for a peaceful society.
- Written by: Dr. Modadugu Vijay Gupta, fisheries scientist, India
Let me humbly and briefly mention my efforts in the last five decades, looking at how fish farming or aquaculture—through making science relevant to the needs of the farming community in developing countries, including war-torn countries, such as Laos, and least developed countries, such as Bangladesh—can bring changes to the lives and livelihoods of the rural poor by providing adequate food and nutrition security.
- Written by: H.E. Anote Tong, President, Kiribati
His Holiness Pope Francis, US President Barack Obama among other world leaders, have joined the ever-increasing voices advocating against climate change. Yes, there is acknowledgement, and yes, there is commitment at the global level to address this issue. What is now required is action—action that will guarantee that the future of our global community and our planet Earth will be secured; action that guarantees that no one will be left behind and, most importantly, urgent action to address the security and existential challenges from climate change for the most vulnerable peoples in frontline states.
- Written by: Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, chair, UPF-Nepal
First of all, I would like to congratulate Dr. Gupta for winning history's first and very significant Sunhak Peace Prize (Korean Nobel Peace Prize). As I have the task to comment on Dr. Gupta’s paper, I will focus on that. I am feeling especially proud of him since I come from Nepal, one of India’s closest neighbors—both geographically, historically and culturally. As the whole world celebrates Dr. Gupta’s accomplishments, we in South Asia are also honored.
- Written by: Hon. Lord Nazir Ahmed, House of Lords, United Kingdom
This World Summit has arrived at an important time as not only the Middle East needs an urgent peace initiative, but also Africa. Tensions in Gaza, Palestine, Syria, Libya, Iraq, and Yemen have spread to Somalia and Sudan. The Summit is also timely because the UN General Assembly is set to [adopt] the [post-2015 development agenda at its forthcoming meeting in September], will appoint a new secretary-general of the UN, and is discussing reforming the Security Council.
- Written by: Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, Deputy Prime Minister, Tonga
A primary focus of the Sunhak Peace prize deals with the role of the ocean and its importance for the future of humanity. According to the organization’s literature,“The ocean is essential to the future peace of humanity.” Coming from an island nation myself, I would wholeheartedly agree with this statement.
- Written by: Mrs. Judith Karp, Former Deputy Attorney General, Israel
Women around the world share common perspectives that emanate from their experiences as women. Women share sensitivity to injustices and sufferings stemming from the history of injustice toward them as women. I dare say that we naturally are more likely to favor peaceful solutions and peaceful actions.