Speeches
- Written by: Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau, First Lady, Fiji
It was said at this very summit last year: “Peace would not be found amongst countries until peace was found between their religions.” This resonated the great words of the late Rev. Moon: “If we have not achieved peace, it is because people forget its most fundamental aspect. Before we talk about peace among nations, we must settle our peace with God.”
- Written by: Dr. Alwi Shihab, special envoy to the Middle East and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Office of the President, Republic of Indonesia
I would like to invite all of us to strengthen religious accord to enable us to create a peaceful global community. We, as part of humanity, must ensure that people of different religions living together [becomes] an ordinary occurrence. When [this happens], we know we have succeeded in halting the dangerous advance of religious extremism that has done so much damage to all aspects of human life in all corners of the world.
- Written by: Gina de Venecia, Philippine Congresswoman
On this World Summit, in our search for peace among nations, we continue to celebrate the teachings of one of the great leaders of our time, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, who has, in his lifetime and beyond, gained prominence for his [vision for] achieving global peace, [which is] based on the true love of God.
- Written by: Hon. Yoshinori Ohno, former Minister of Defense, Japan
However, in order to keep, maintain peace, there is a much stronger power than defense; it is diplomatic power. This power comes from close human relations, as is clearly seen in this meeting of the Universal Peace Federation. We could [consider] this sort of human relations peace power.
- Written by: Hon. Jose de Venecia, founding chairman and co-chairman, International Conference of Asian Political Parties Standing Committee, Philippines
We urge the revival of the Global Interfaith Dialogue, through an “Interfaith Summit,” among Christians, Muslim Shiites and Sunnis, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, and other religious groups to reduce political-religious tensions and conflicts in various parts of the world.
- Written by: Mr. Titus Bright Nsubuga, Peace Activist and Consultant, Uganda
Religion and violence have been linked together in humankind and history. Various religious beliefs have justified violence or failed to condemn acts of violence and many have found themselves enmeshed in long-prevailing violent conflicts.
- Written by: Rabbi Allen S. Maller, Rabbi (Retired) Temple Akiba, California
In the modern world, large-scale emigration has brought many Muslims into close contact with other Muslims from distant lands. While all Muslims are united by Islamic law and daily prayer, many Muslims have discovered that some of the things they thought were law, were really local custom or local culture.
- Written by: Harold Ristau, Captain and Standards Officer, Canadian Forces Chaplain School and Centre, Canada
Although post-modernism arose as a means of re-interpreting and re-understanding script, observations made are not limited to the sphere of exegesis. What do hermeneutics and dialogue have in common?
- Written by: Dr. Walter Lichem, Advisor, Government of the Republic of Austria
Our global agenda has increasingly been marked by a societal dimension of both challenges and needed responses. The traditional role of sovereign states and national governments has been complemented by a rising impact of the citizen, civil society, the private sector and academia as non-state partners in addressing our global issues.
- Written by: H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General
If we empower women, we help build better, more equal and more prosperous societies. I commend the commitment of the African Union to gender equality and the empowerment of women as part of its Agenda 2063, and I welcome the declaration of 2015 as the year of women’s empowerment in Africa.
- Written by: H.E. Dr. Nkosazana C. Dlamini-Zuma, African Union Chairperson
What Africa do YOU want to see by 2063? Agenda 2063 is the resulting mandate from the people of Africa here and in the diaspora; it is an intergenerational mission, an inclusive African strategy to use Africa’s resources for the benefit of all Africans.
- Written by: H.E. Mr. Sam Kutesa, UN General Assembly President
Today provides an opportunity to celebrate the many successes taking place on the African continent, while also reflecting on our hopes for the future.