Mr. Speaker, in keeping with the United Nations proclamation that the year 2000 be the International Year for the Culture of Peace, UNESCO mobilized the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates meeting in Paris for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to draft the Manifesto 2000 for a culture of peace and non-violence.
The year 2000 must be a new beginning for us all. Together we can transform the culture of war and violence into a culture of peace and non-violence. This demands the participation of everyone. It gives young people and future generations values that can inspire them to shape a world of dignity and harmony, a world of justice, solidarity, liberty and prosperity.
The culture of peace makes possible sustainable development, protection of the environment and the personal fulfilment of each human being.