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Speech
W. Lichem: The Rising Need for Societal Development
December 5, 2013
The global agendas for the 21st century are marked by an enhanced focus on the human being, on the citizen and on societies in addition to the traditional addressing of issues related to governments and states. Peace is not any more the achievement of governmental armament, defended borders and related policies but, as the title of our meeting indicates, the result of value structures of societal cultures carried by the human being and by societies. This realization of the central focus and role of the citizen and society for achieving the objectives of “our common future” has been the subject of a new focus in our approaches to development and to our understanding of peace and security and of the role of the human being/citizen as actor, victim or beneficiary.
T. Walsh: Social Epidemics: Policy and Practices of Effective Responses
November 23, 2013
There is now a range of evidence that communities with a good ‘stock’ of ‘social capital’ are more likely to benefit from lower crime figures, better health, high educational achievement, and better economic growth.
C.S. Yong: 8th Anniversary of Nepal's Peace Process
November 13, 2013
On the same day they came to Nepal to inaugurate UPF, Nepal’s peace process began. The 12-point Memorandum of Understanding was signed in New Delhi between the Maoists and the Seven Party Alliance. The beginning of ending the decade-long war that left as many as 15,000 Nepalese people dead was on the same day as UPF’s inauguration in Nepal: Nov. 22, 2005. We are here in memory of that event eight years ago.
A.-M. Lizin: Indirect Interventionism: Consequences for the Geneva II Peace Conference
October 14, 2013
I will try to give some guidelines regarding the evolution of interventionism in the last two decades, in order to be able to discuss some conclusions applicable to the Syrian war and to the future Geneva II Peace Conference.
Riah Abo El-Assal: The Crisis in Syria
October 14, 2013
The fact that the crisis in Syria occupied much of the recent UN deliberations is proof enough that the parties involved are not exclusively Syrians. No wonder the attention of the majority of the international community is focused on its happenings. Had there been no way out of the American threat, we may have not been able to meet anywhere in this troubled Middle East.
I.A. Murzaku: The Role of Religion in Peacebuilding
October 14, 2013
The current return of religion has been extraordinarily apparent throughout the entire world. Religion has a stronger hold now than it has had for a long time in many parts of the world. It is successfully discussed in the media and politics. Politics is permeated by faith sentiments and beliefs. It seems that religion is not colliding with modernity. On the contrary, religion and modernity are merged in a harmonious way.
A.S. Goswami: Prospects for Dialogue and Reconciliation in Syria
October 14, 2013
Civil society is missing its religious partner, which is a major facet of human experience and expression. Interfaith bodies like the Universal Peace Federation have been calling for institutionalizing this partnership. I agree. I am sure that if an interfaith council were established at the UN, Hindus and for that matter people of all religions would welcome it. It is a long-standing need.
M.D. Bryant: The Syrian Crisis and the Way of Dialogue
October 14, 2013
The situation in Syria is ever-changing and difficult. It is a challenging situation, but whatever position UPF takes must have some resonance with religious and cultural voices living within Syria. It is worth noting that on the Internet there is considerable criticism from religious voices inside Syria directed towards those outside Syria for failing to grasp the internal Syrian situation and over-simplifying what is happening.
E. Aydin: The Crisis in Syria in a Broader Context - Thoughts on a Solution
October 14, 2013
I appeal one more time to the European politicians to become aware of their responsibility. Military attacks against Syria are the worst means! I appeal to all people of good will to follow your conscience, to not trust the lies of propaganda and to honestly examine yourselves before God.
A. Sajid: Syria's Current Situation and the Requirements of Sustainable Peace
October 14, 2013
I appeal to the human conscience to make a swift move defending human rights to rein in the savagery being committed against innocent children and the elderly in Syria. I share UPF’s appeal to the United Nations and the major powers to redouble their efforts for a diplomatic solution. Meanwhile, leaders of the world’s great faith traditions, especially Muslims, Jews and Christians, should come together in the search for a solution that brings an end to the bloodshed.
K.S. Abu Jaber: The Syria Crisis
October 13, 2013
It is in these gatherings of concerned and distinguished individuals that one should speak freely. We are talking about Syria, not only one of the most important countries of the Arab world but, until this day, called by Arab nationalities Um al-’Urubah, mother of Arabism.
M.A. Al-Habash: The Crisis in Syria
October 13, 2013
It is my duty to extend my sincere thanks to all of the brothers who came from around the world to stand with the Syrian people in their distress and anguish. I ask God to record your coming to this conference as an expression of obedience and worship of God. As God said: “This is the best worship: to help the oppressed.”
D. Kilgour: Sisters in Spirit and Justice for All
October 5, 2013
I believe strongly that our criminal justice system must be essentially blind to cultural differences in victims. Each victim is entitled to the same protection as any other--and this includes having police and prosecutors go after criminals who violate the rights of any person, especially using violence, with equal vigor. Victims in general are no longer supposed to be the forgotten key components of the justice system. The 600 cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women across our country is an excellent place to begin to create more equal justice for all across this land.
U.N. Akpan: The Role of Women in Family Education
September 22, 2013
Peace undoubtedly is a condition for development. Clearly, diverse factors interplay in building the culture of peace in families, communities and the world. This presentation is targeted at addressing the pillars upon which peace can be built and sustained with particular prominence to the momentous role of women as educators in the fulcrum of society, the family.
W.W. Akaamaa: The Role of Education in Building a Culture of Peace
September 22, 2013
This paper examines the role of peace education as it centers on conflict resolution typically on the social-behavioral symptoms of conflict, training individuals to resolve inter-personal disputes through inter-faith, harmony, national integration techniques of negotiation and (peer) mediation.
J.A. Quadri: The Role of Education in Building a Culture of Peace
September 21, 2013
Education has, over the decades, established its importance in the development of any nation. The trend of leadership and scope of management would bring out efficiencies if the leaders are well equipped with information.
O. Alao: Educating and Building a Culture of Peace
September 21, 2013
There is great need for moral and ethical education generally in today’s society, particularly in our nation, Nigeria. Why this is so can be understood by reflecting briefly on current social conditions and then more specifically the manner in which education has contributed to them.
G.M. Oguire: Education through Service in Building a Culture of Peace
September 21, 2013
The topic that I have been asked to speak on is highly loaded with concepts, and each of those concepts can stand on its own as a major theme. The Role of Education is one vast theme. Building a Culture of Peace is another. Interfaith Harmony, National Integration, National Development; these can each stand as major themes. And we have to discuss them from Christian, Islamic and Unification perspectives. It is a huge task to be accomplished in a single presentation.
C.N. Chibo: The Role of Education in Building a Culture of Peace
September 21, 2013
I consider it a great honor and privilege to be asked to speak on a topic that is not just very appropriate and relevant to our contemporary world but even more importantly to our nation especially in the face of the current security and social challenges confronting every aspect of our lives. Our individual and collective efforts to make our societies a better place for all will no doubt change the face of our planet and guarantee hopes for the future.
T. Alemu: Address at the Celebration of Africa Day 2013
June 26, 2013
We are now indeed in a new beginning in Africa, as is witnessed in the general good performance of many African economies, even during the period when the international economic situation is not so conducive for economic progress.