U Khin Aung Myint
Speaker of Amyotha Hluttaw, the Union of
His Excellency Mr. Han Qide, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Peace and the Disarmament (CPAPD) and Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
It is a great pleasure and an honour for me to have the opportunity to speak at this important event commemorating the International Day of Peace 2012 in
I wish to congratulate His Excellency Mr. Han Qide, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD) and Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and the CPAPD for having organized this important event in collaboration with the United Nations System in
Allow me to extend our sincere heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of China which has been hit by a strong earthquake earlier this month (7th September 2012) leading to the loss of lives, affecting the livelihood of more than 740,000 people in Yunan province and resulting in damages of properties worth Yuan 3.5 billion (about US$550 million).
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
As you all are aware the UN General Assembly at its fifty-seventh session has decided to observe the International Day of Peace on 21st September each year. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Government of China for having successfully observed the International Day of Peace for three consecutive years. This clearly demonstrates the common aspiration of Chinese people for lasting peace and stability.
When it comes to this year’s theme of the International Day of Peace which is focused on “Sustainable Peace for Sustainable Future,” I wish to resonate the UN Secretary-General’s Message for 100-Day Countdown to International Day of Peace 2012, that we can not think about building a sustainable future if there is no sustainable peace.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
The world is experiencing fast political, economic, cultural and social reforms. Political, socio-cultural and economic integration in the region is gaining momentum, and thus, societies have become more interdependent and interrelated presenting more common issues and global challenges.
In the world today, new and advanced technologies in agriculture and livestock breeding can provide sufficient nutritious food for the entire world population; industrial and manufacturing know-how can fulfil every material need; and information and communication technology as well as knowledge management expertise can enable every human being to realize his or her intellectual potential. We also have the expertise to conserve the environment and utilize the non-renewable resources of the earth for the new millennium.
But if we look at what is really happening in the world, it is sad to note that the majority of the world population is deprived of meaningful participation in socio-economic development. They have been affected by various forms of conflict, violence, ignorance and insufficient realization of people’s fundamental rights are always counterproductive.
In every arena of politics, economics and social affairs, the human craving for power, possessions and prestige is equaled on by the human capacity for violence. East or west, south or north, in every part of the world, violence measures have never resulted in lasting solutions in spite of their short-term attractiveness.
Now that the technology has turned the world into a global village, every society and nation needs citizens and leaders who realize the long-term effectiveness of universal values in serving local and national interest.
At the age of globalization, societies need to be guided by universal values. Both citizens and leaders need to be aware of the ramifications of their actions or inactions have not only on their neighbours but on the region and beyond.
It is said that every problem presents an opportunity; the greater the problem, the better the opportunity. We can try to address and overcome conflicts and violence, which have been part of our history. If we all work together for non-violence and lasting peace, equality, empowerment and full participation in the society, the sustainable future that every human being desires will become a reality.
As development is fundamental to the socio-economic welfare of the people, it is imperative for all societies and countries to shape a brighter future with sustainable peace for all, In the meantime, We should remain committed to the concept of mutual trust, mutual benefit and equality among member nations of the world.
I believe that the deliberations at today’s event would bring about valuable insights into a sustainable development, sustainable peace and secure future for our planet and future generations.
Thank you.