BY SAMMY JULIAN
PEACE is more than just the absence of war.
Peace means access to education, health and essential services; giving every young woman and man the chance to live as they choose; and developing sustainably and protecting the planet’s biodiversity.
It is a way of being, of interacting with others, of living on this planet.
More than ever, it means living with others on the basis of tolerance, respect and mutual understanding.
The desire for peace knows no boundaries and is inherent in the hearts of all people.
It transcends gender, culture, religion, faith and belief, and unites the rich and poor, the old and young, East and West, North and South around a common desire.
Peace should have tangible meanings for people suffering extreme poverty and exclusion. It should foster harmony amongst religions.
Peace as an overarching theme must be woven throughout the goals and underpin the targets of all organizations.
What we also know and understand is that peace cannot be decreed solely through treaties – it must be nurtured through the dignity, rights and capacities of every man and woman.
That is why we cannot emphasize more the need for concerted efforts to achieve the common vision of a life of dignity and well-being for all.
Yes, more and more people all over the world join forces to promote a culture of peace, and yet all around us we see a spreading virus of war, extremism, violence, hatred and terrorism.
People in positions of power and authority have a moral and political responsibility to improve understanding across borders and cultures, backed by political will, commitment, partnerships and financial support.
In a world of profound challenges, religious leaders, public office-holders and others must set an example by rejecting violence and promoting dialogue.
Because we are convinced that our strongest arsenal in the face of these threats is not weapons or missiles or guns. It is our shared values, our common vision for peace, development and human rights, our universal aspiration for a meaningful culture of peace.
In these difficult times, in the face of humankind’s terrible capacity for inhumanity, it is all the more important for all of us to take a clear and principled stand. To speak out, and more, to act in the cause of peace, tolerance and harmony among people./PN
