him blessings of the almighty for new achievements.
achievements.
Distinguish participants of the round
table. There is an urgent need to assess
the world's problems from a moral point
of view and to present to the world a
multicultural way of life that is able
to prevent manifestations based on
national racial and religious extremism.
In this regard, the successful model of
coexistence of a Serbajan historically
and multinational multiconessional state
a country of tolerance and multicultural
traditions can become an example for the
whole world. the ideas and initiatives
serving human solidarity in the world
and among them the years of
multiculturalism and Islamic solidarity
declared in our country by the president
and the Baku process of intercultural
dialogue launched on his initiative as
well as the global peace for culture
process initiated by a Serba Jan at the
UN level in um addition to the hosting
of the seventh global forum of the
alliance of civilizations by our country
serve the goals of peace and coexistence
throughout the world. The Republic of
Aserbayan, which recently put an end to
military aggression in accordance with
the provisions of international law and
relevant UN resolutions and restored its
territorial integrity recognized by the
world community was subjected to war
crimes, occupation, genocide, vandalism,
herbicide, eocide, and culture for 30
years. Today the state of Aserbajan is
reviving its culture and spiritual
heritage in the liberated territories
giving new life to our scorched lands
and is engaged in peaceful construction
and real peacekeeping in this region.
Dearest participants of the event in the
modern era ideological and practical
challenges that threaten international
stability and security include
manifestations of xenophobia and post
serious urgent task for humanity. It is
necessary to prevent situations that
seriously undermine the climate of
confidence and human fraternity at the
international level such as threats and
calls for hatred. All this will be
possible only under supremacy of
international law in the world.
All religious postulates clearly
proclaim the focus on peace and
solidarity, spiritual harmony of the
people as it said in our holy book, the
Holy Quran, and do not cause corruption
in the earth after it has been set in
order. We advocate an immediate stop of
all conflicts that threaten the
stability of the world, including the
wars in Ukraine, the Middle East,
Gastrip, Palestine, as well as the
African and and the wars in other parts
of the world and their peaceful and fair
resolution in accordance with
international law for the benefit of
humanity. I express my gratitude to
Spain for organizing today's remarkable
international event and with the
participants divine blessings of their
fair deeds and peacekeeping
activities. I am confident that today's
forum will make its worthwhile
contribution to strengthening peace and
security and intercultural harmony on
Well, if there's anybody listening to
the English translation, I'm afraid that
we were reading a text that uh we've
done our best to translate and we have
no other reference and we do not speak
Foreign speech. Foreign speech. Foreign speech.
virtue the grand muty of the caucuses
and the chairman of the caucuses Muslims
board. Um actually uh the u translation
I would like to thank very much the
interpreters um uh for the u for for for
their good work and um we were provided
with just a clarification we were
provided with a with a text of um his
virtues speech and we asked the
interpreters to um to read it as his
virtue was uh delivering his remarks and
I think they delivered all of it. So
whatever you heard in into the other
language whether it's English, Spanish
or French was the entire text of uh his
no not in
Spanish. Okay. So we will thank you for
letting us know. We will deal with that
uh uh later. But for those who are
listening to the English interpretation,
it was the entire um the entire
text. So um I move now um to our uh
following distinguished uh speaker in
this panel discussion. Um he is eminence
MUI Dr. Nad Gra Mui of Svo Islamic
Community in Bosnia and Hers Gavina and
co-president of religions for peace.
We're very pleased that you are with us
here and um and as we are talking we are
here in in in in G in Gernika uh which
is very symbolic. We are c we're
commemorating 88th anniversary of its
bombing which in a ceremony that will be
tomorrow and this brings to memory also
SVO and um and and I think that the the
the enduring it's it's those historical
symbolic of the resilience and the
enduring pursuit of peace for people who
are the victims of those um barbaric
attacks um during uh World War I and
World War II. Um and in order that you
would provide us also with your valuable
input on the value of peace, the value
of reconciliation, the value of living
together in peace and coexisting um uh
in in a peaceful environment and the
role of religious leaders in enforcing
that message. Your uh the floor is yours.
yours.
Thank you very much, Miss Nihal. Uh, I'm
very pleased to and honored to
be with all of you today in Gnika. I
would like to express my gratitude.
Spoke about SVO and in Japan, no one can
ever forget the horrors of um, Hiroshima
and and and Nagasaki. The floor is
yours. Um and um I just want to um um uh
tell everyone that um that there will be
interpretation as well um for um for
Reverend Nuano's uh remarks. Yes. Thank you.
Thank you uh madame moderator uh for
this opportunity to speak in front of
Why war? This is not merely a
philosophical or legal question, but a
confrontation with our own limitations and
and
responsibilities. How we remember and
transmit history as Gernika does by
hosting this forum shapes our ethical
Japan endured unprecedented devastation
during the World War II. The atomic
bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
claimed hundreds of thousands of lives
and left survivors with lasting physical
effects and the psychological anguish
beyond words.
Yet many Hibakusha survivors have
continued to testify, affirming the
sanctity of life and expressing the
profound determination to prevent future
wars. Their
voices transcend national boundaries and
continue to serve as moral testimony
At the same time, we must honestly
confront the suffering Japan. and
inflicted upon others. Two weeks ago, I
visited Batan in the Philippines, a site
that still bears the memory of the
suffering caused by Japan during the
war. Rishokai our organization has faced
this history and beyond words of apology
has engaged in concrete long-term
efforts to rebuild
trust. Reconciliation required shared
pain, long silences, repeated dialogue and
and
multi-generational efforts to rebuild
trust. The Friendship Tower built in
1975 stands as a symbol of this
reconciliation. This year marks its 50th anniversary.
Like many religious traditions, Buddhism
affirms the importance of transforming
habitual mental tendencies, the inner
dispositions that shape human behavior
and decision making as the foundation of
lasting peace and justice.
The world's faith traditions call not
only for personal renewal, but also for
urgent reform of power and
policy, all grounded in a culture of
dialogue, mutual dignity, and moral responsibility.
responsibility.
The international year of peace and
trust must serve not merely as a
symbolic gesture but as a concrete
mandate to reform our
institutions, reorient education towards
coexistence and revitalize our
commitment to dialogue. Thank you. Thank
Thank you. Um thank you very much um u
for uh your inspiring words Dr. um
Reverend Koshuano, president, designate
of Rishu Kosakai and co-odderator of
religious for peace. Uh we thank you and
and and uh we are very pleased to have
you as the only uh Buddhist
representation in this uh uh in this
panel uh discussion. um uh your emphasis
on lasting peace and justice as cornerstones
cornerstones
uh for um in the values and the
principles of in enshrined in in in
Buddhism. Um and um um um I also
emphasize what you said. You are the
first one who mentioned uh in this panel
um moral responsibility and when we talk
about moral responsibility it very much
it it is very much related also to the
role of religious
leaders because uh there is a moral
responsibility given their closeness to
the communities and their power of
mobilizing their uh their uh
communities. I see um that your eminence
um um Miy Gra you are about to um I
think about you're you still you're
still with us so thank you very much. Um
uh so um um uh you mentioned also the
international uh year of peace and trust
which is uh in 2025 is the international
year of peace and trust uh based on uh
general assembly resolution that was
adopted um that was adopted to that in
that regard last uh year and it was
actually proposed by uh the republic of
Turkumistan and we are very pleased that
uh the deputy foreign minister of
Turkumistan is going to be uh one of the
keynote speakers in tomorrow's opening
um ceremony um in Genika.
Uh so thank you very much again and um
and I I now turn to um our last speaker
in this panel discussion uh Miss Dalia
Livingston, president of the Jewish
Community Council of Barcelona and board
member um of Religious for Peace here uh
in Spain and you know I mean we have
been here a couple of years ago um uh
United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
the high representative u um for the
United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
was also um had um um um um many
conversations and discussions with the
Jewish community uh here in Spain. And
we attended uh last year there was a
commemorative event that was um uh
organized by um the World Jewish
Congress in Madrid. And we had the
chance to meet um many of the Jewish
community leaders uh who came from
across Spain uh to to to that event. And
and it goes without saying that the
Jewish community in Spain while
historically impacted by the events uh
uh like the one in 19 the one in in 1492
um expulsion they are currently
estimated I believe um um 45,000
um uh in the Jewish community and they
are quite a very vibrant uh Jewish
community. So, I give you the floor and
I understand that you will have first a
message uh that you would like to um to
read from the chief rabbi of Barcelona,
Rabbi Samuel Garson. The floor is yours.
Thank you very much. I'm very pleased to
be here and I really thank the
invitation to participate in this uh
gathering. I first of all since we are
talking about religions
uh we thought uh a message from our
rabbi uh would be very necessary to
understand what religion Judaism is. So
please these are his words weaving the
future of peace. Dear brothers and
sisters of all faith and all of
humanity, distinguished religious and
spiritual leaders, representatives of
governments and international
organizations. Dear friends, today we
gather at a crucial moment where
differences can be used to divide us or
to strengthen us. Human history has
experienced both darkness and light.
From those experiences, we learn the
importance of
coexistence, respect, and the
construction of a future where every
person has a dignified place.
As a member of the Jewish people, I
bring with me a millennia old tradition
that has endured times of persecution,
but has also contributed greatly to
humanity in thought, science, justice,
and culture.
Judaism teaches us that all human beings
are created bale Elohim in divine image
sacred. This principle calls us to the moral
moral
responsibility of building a world of
peace and justice for all.
It call us to engage in tikun olam, the
repair of a world. A concept that
reminds us that every action we take, no
matter how small, can contribute to
healing the brokenness in our society
and in our planet. We cannot ignore that
intolerance, and justice and violence
exist in the world. We cannot close our
eyes to the suffering of those who are
marginalized because of their identity,
faith or
history. In Judaism, life is
sacred. Nephes teaches us to save a
single life is to save an entire
world. The Torah calls us to seek peace
and pursue it.
Jewish wisdom has always guided us
toward justice, dialogue, and
compassion. Principles that are not
exclusive to Jews, but universal values
meant to unite all of
humanity. As Jews, we know that what it
means to be persecuted, but we also know
the most repeated commandment in the
Torah is
You shall love your neighbor as
yourself. This is not just about loving
around those around us, but about
opposing, and defending those who are
vulnerable. No people, no community
should be condemned to hatred or discrimination.
discrimination.
The diversity of beliefs, cultures, and
perspectives is not a threat, but a
richness that challenges us to expand
our understanding in the world. As the
Talmud teaches, truth can take many
forms. Justice is not an abstract ideal.
It is an obligation to ensure that all
people have the same rights and
opportunities. Justice. Justice you
shall pursue. The Torah commandas,
urging us not to remain indifferent to suffering.
suffering.
History has shown us that when a society
allows discrimination against one group
to danger extends to the whole
society and peace shalom is not merely
the absence of conflict but the presence
of harmony, respect and cooperation.
Peace is built through action, dialogue
and the recognition of humanity in each
person. Shalom. We are shalom. May the
one who makes peace in the heaven grant
peace upon us and upon the world.
Therefore, I invite you to a shared
commitment to open our hearts to
understand the pain and hopes of
others. To accept that differences
become sources of learning rather than
separation. Build bridges of dialogue
when we can listen to each other with
respect and without prejudice.
To educate new generation in the values
of coexistence and
justice to act with fairness and
empathy. Empathy denouncing any form of
discrimination or
injustice. To promote a discourse that
unites rather than divides.
Today we have the opportunity to be
architects of a better
world where every community is valued
for its contributions and where respect
in the foundation of our
interactions. History has shown us the
cost of hatred. Let us ensure that the
future bears witness to the power of
unity and
understanding. May this gathering be a
turning point, a renewal of our
commitment to dignity, equity, and
you. Thank you. Thank you very much for
um for those um words um the message of
um Chief Rabbi Barcelona Tamul Garson
and there are very significant and
symbolic words here when you talked
about diversity that brings richness to
the community about justice and peace
and I see the word justice um uh and its
um um uh um attachment and u and uh and
its nexus to to peace is very important
because uh and it was echoed by uh most
of the speakers in this panel uh peace,
justice, moral responsibility and
diversity and the need to build bridges
of of um of dialogue. And um um what is
more significant also um uh in these
words where when you when you mentioned
um that when intolerance, hatred and
prejudices and discrimination based on
religion or belief exists in one
community or in a society, it will not
end there. It will probably extend to
other religious and faith communities
which echoes what the late Rabbi
Jonathan Sax said uh that the hate that
starts with Jews does not stop there but
that is probably also uh applies to
other faith communities when they are
exposed to prejudices and
discrimination. Every one of us um I
believe is a minority somewhere uh in
the world when he when he or she exists
somewhere in the world is a minor it
becomes a minority. Uh so um Daniel you
that was the message of uh the rabbi of
bar of Barcelona and um um maybe we can
talk a little bit about the power of
education. The power of bringing the
community together through educating the
community and bringing them together and
uh educating them and bringing to their awareness
awareness
um the uh the the value of dialogue
through religious leaders and faith uh
and faith actors. We are of course of
religions of uh for peace which is a
very good tool to work together and
especially in Catalunia where we are
based uh we have uh in our group the uh the
the
uh of the action. I mean we gather every
month the group of religions for peace
because we uh com we work on issues that
are daily issues not we don't start
talking about religions and the
principles of religious upon which we
all are we agree I mean we have talked
about dignity about justice I mean this
is but we we work on action we take
action We we try to to bring people to
to the encounters either they are
interested in religion or not to know us
to to see what we work because as uh
religious uh leaders uh we need to show
to other that we can sit with the other
one and talk with respect and to listen
and from any word that we we receive
from the other we learn. We each of one
learns from the other one and we must
show that to uh to the people to to
every to the students for for anything
because we need this dialogue. It's the
most important thing and we agree with
that all of us and one for example of
our uh work we have launched in uh
Barcelona in front of the Catalan
parliament uh an issue which is the
formation of an intergroup of
parliamentary in the parliament of
Catalunia for religion affairs which is
a very important thing because this
group will be formed by people of
different parties of the
Catalan parliament and this is a
really it will help as we will show them
how we can in interface dialogue we we
can bring them to have an an intergroup
dialogue also because we know
empowerment politician they all have
their ideas and they don't want to step
down from that. So I mean this is one of
the achiever. We hope that it will come
to a good end but this is one what gives
us the
uh the dialogue with religions. Dvenson
thank you very much an interesting
initiative. We wish you the best of luck
and um I I I believe that we came to the
end of this panel discussion. And I
would like to thank all the
distinguished uh speakers um who who who
joined us today for their time and for
their valuable uh input uh and
contribution uh to this panel uh which
kicks off uh the initiative a call for
peace the end of wars and the respect
for international law. I'd like to thank
alakazy Dr. Francis Kura um his eminence
MUI Dr. Nad Gra his em her his eminence
uh Reverend Dr. Jose Pura Etifaraga
and her her eminence Reverend Koshu
Nimano and again Miss Dia Levenson. We
thank you all and please join me in
uploading um the distinguished panels. [Applause]
[Music] Memoir.
Forever Collective,
Collective, [Music]
[Music] Immortal.
[Music] Control artist.
[Music] Communal
Communal democracy
secret an organization. [Music]
Dr. Mit expert
on diplomacy. [Music]
[Music] Carlos
Martinez Hassan
special for international peace. Madame Carmen Marin.
And um as I was in this in this beautiful country with a view over the
beautiful country with a view over the sea with the beautiful
houses. We are really starving in terms of happiness and uh love. It's a a
of happiness and uh love. It's a a suicidal kind of selfishness that has
suicidal kind of selfishness that has contaminated all of our mankind mankind.
contaminated all of our mankind mankind. See all of us all of us
are are very unhappy. We are very sad and uh things are happening each day
and uh things are happening each day that make us feel absolutely desperate
that make us feel absolutely desperate and that is family members are killing
and that is family members are killing each other. Children are killing each
each other. Children are killing each other. In other words, these are
other. In other words, these are horrible things that are happening. So
horrible things that are happening. So we have to focus on civil society as a
we have to focus on civil society as a basis and we have to educate our young
basis and we have to educate our young people our youth because uh people young
people our youth because uh people young people don't really see many positive
people don't really see many positive things happening in the world and what
things happening in the world and what they have to do they haven't got to be
they have to do they haven't got to be hunters of
positivism and what we were able to believe in socialism. My um father was a
believe in socialism. My um father was a socialist. He worked with Sandro Perini.
socialist. He worked with Sandro Perini. So therefore there was a certain amount
So therefore there was a certain amount of hope. So in other words uh socialism
of hope. So in other words uh socialism meant that you were there to serve the
meant that you were there to serve the people that you were there to serve the
people that you were there to serve the common good. But nowadays young
common good. But nowadays young people are only leading virtual lives.
people are only leading virtual lives. Virtual life is not conducive to
Virtual life is not conducive to anything good. And now to answer your
anything good. And now to answer your question after this introduction, how
question after this introduction, how can we work with a civil society to
can we work with a civil society to reduce conflicts?
reduce conflicts? Well, above all, by having good
Well, above all, by having good information and that is that the
information and that is that the responsibility of the mass media is
responsibility of the mass media is absolutely
absolutely fundamental. And if we're going to say
fundamental. And if we're going to say things that are not true, that means
things that are not true, that means that what we're doing is destroying the
that what we're doing is destroying the mechanism with which we are sharing
mechanism with which we are sharing things in civil society.
things in civil society. And something that seems to be very
And something that seems to be very important and we've uh I've sometimes
important and we've uh I've sometimes discussed this with Pope Francis and
discussed this with Pope Francis and that is that what we have to do we have
that is that what we have to do we have to try to set up a coalition coalition
to try to set up a coalition coalition that is focused on values on the one
that is focused on values on the one hand and also on shared economic
hand and also on shared economic mechanisms on the other because it is
mechanisms on the other because it is clear that the economy that is economy
clear that the economy that is economy is associated with values. So if we were
is associated with values. So if we were if we establish an equilibrium between
if we establish an equilibrium between economy and values, we would then be on
economy and values, we would then be on the right
the right path. And now I would like to say a
path. And now I would like to say a couple of things about the role that is
couple of things about the role that is played by international
played by international organizations and how they can join
organizations and how they can join civil society to find solutions to deal
civil society to find solutions to deal with the current uh situation and uh
with the current uh situation and uh construct peace. We have to provide uh
construct peace. We have to provide uh information on the global level on the
information on the global level on the global plane. The first thing we have to
global plane. The first thing we have to do today is first we have to save the
do today is first we have to save the planet. That's point number one. We have
planet. That's point number one. We have to save the earth because we are facing
to save the earth because we are facing a tragic situation. Nobody's talking
a tragic situation. Nobody's talking about this. And it's I'm not only
about this. And it's I'm not only referring to the earthquakes we've had
referring to the earthquakes we've had in Italy. There have been 500% more of
in Italy. There have been 500% more of uh unexpected events that are associated
uh unexpected events that are associated with the climate. We've had tremendous
with the climate. We've had tremendous rainfalls and unexpected storms. etc.
rainfalls and unexpected storms. etc. And nobody says anything about that.
And nobody says anything about that. Nobody says anything about what has to
Nobody says anything about what has to be done. And
be done. And unfortunately I still find in documents
unfortunately I still find in documents of the European Union the issue of
of the European Union the issue of energy transition which is absolute
energy transition which is absolute madness. So we have to carry out an
madness. So we have to carry out an ecological conversion. So what I mean to
ecological conversion. So what I mean to say by that is that we have to change
say by that is that we have to change our life methodology and we must
our life methodology and we must understand that each and every one of us
understand that each and every one of us is here to save the world or is supposed
is here to save the world or is supposed to save the world.
So this doesn't only mean that we have to try to do something about these
to try to do something about these situations but also have a constitution
situations but also have a constitution that includes the rights and duties of
that includes the rights and duties of the inhabitants of this planet. Although
the inhabitants of this planet. Although we are working on this and at the very
we are working on this and at the very center we have the ecological conversion
center we have the ecological conversion and we're asking large cities and
and we're asking large cities and smaller towns to become involved and
smaller towns to become involved and it's lovely to see that we have such a
it's lovely to see that we have such a young mayor here with us today like the
young mayor here with us today like the mayor from Sia but cities cities have to
mayor from Sia but cities cities have to play a fundamental role because cities
play a fundamental role because cities receive the requests of people and they
receive the requests of people and they can do something about those needs and
can do something about those needs and meet them. So it's the cities of the
meet them. So it's the cities of the world that should unite to establish the
world that should unite to establish the right kind of methodology and inform
right kind of methodology and inform people on what has to be done which is
people on what has to be done which is absolutely essential nowadays. So we
absolutely essential nowadays. So we have to save the earth and we have to
have to save the earth and we have to protect peace but peace is not a theory
protect peace but peace is not a theory but something that is in limbo. No peace
but something that is in limbo. No peace has to be experienced firsthand.
has to be experienced firsthand. And somebody said to me once upon a
And somebody said to me once upon a time, look, you must understand that you
time, look, you must understand that you have to live peace and that you have to
have to live peace and that you have to be capable of transforming and the love
be capable of transforming and the love for power, which is what people you can
for power, which is what people you can find everywhere. But it's it's the power
find everywhere. But it's it's the power of love. In other words, you have to
of love. In other words, you have to work with people. You have to work with
work with people. You have to work with as many people as you can in whatever is
as many people as you can in whatever is good and true. And um this is something
good and true. And um this is something that I mentioned 40 years ago and I've
that I mentioned 40 years ago and I've been working to achieve this goal since
been working to achieve this goal since then on a daily basis and I only hope
then on a daily basis and I only hope that from Garnika we'll be able to um
that from Garnika we'll be able to um draw some conclusions and cooperate with
draw some conclusions and cooperate with other organizations. We have to convince
other organizations. We have to convince our young people. We have to mobilize
our young people. We have to mobilize our society, all of our societies
our society, all of our societies because we are facing a very difficult
because we are facing a very difficult situation because we have the
situation because we have the destruction of the planet on the one
destruction of the planet on the one hand and we also have the definitive
hand and we also have the definitive destruction of peace. So we have to
destruction of peace. So we have to fight against all of that and we need to
fight against all of that and we need to get the mayors, the men and women and
get the mayors, the men and women and the young people of cities. We have to
the young people of cities. We have to unite our forces so that we can generate
unite our forces so that we can generate a good and positive force that can
a good and positive force that can change how we're doing things right now.
change how we're doing things right now. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much. [Applause]
But I implement dialogue is the most important thing for implement peace and
important thing for implement peace and um having a cordial attitude and we have
um having a cordial attitude and we have to do something about this suicidal
to do something about this suicidal selfishness but we have to educate our
selfishness but we have to educate our young people so that they can so that we
young people so that they can so that we can achieve these uh common goals and
can achieve these uh common goals and there there's something that you said in
there there's something that you said in that is fundamental in your intervention
that is fundamental in your intervention is the responsibility of the mass media
is the responsibility of the mass media too the media considering what's going
too the media considering what's going on right now in the world. So many many
on right now in the world. So many many thanks too for what you said about
thanks too for what you said about living peace and uh working with people
living peace and uh working with people with love. Thank you very much. Thank
with love. Thank you very much. Thank you very much for those words. And now
you very much for those words. And now I'm going to give the floor to Madame
I'm going to give the floor to Madame Nidit
Offi. And I would like to ask you the the following. How
the following. How can civil society organizations how can
can civil society organizations how can they um have a greater impact as regards
they um have a greater impact as regards influencing the global agendas that are
influencing the global agendas that are aimed at constructing
aimed at constructing peace? First of all, thank you for all
peace? First of all, thank you for all of all of you who came and participated
of all of you who came and participated here. I would like to thank a special
here. I would like to thank a special thanks for two people who are leading
thanks for two people who are leading with me and they are part of our group u
with me and they are part of our group u on behalf Francis. um may rest in peace
on behalf Francis. um may rest in peace in the last two years um Miguel
in the last two years um Miguel Moratinos and also um Mr. Enrique
Moratinos and also um Mr. Enrique Simman, we are all together um
Simman, we are all together um ambassador for ambassadors for peace on
ambassador for ambassadors for peace on behalf of Francis and my my feeling
behalf of Francis and my my feeling now during the last week that he was
now during the last week that he was more for us than a leader. He guided us
more for us than a leader. He guided us how to do things right. We've been
how to do things right. We've been through a very very hard um period in
through a very very hard um period in the last two years in the Middle East.
the last two years in the Middle East. I'm I'm a doctor for for Middle East
I'm I'm a doctor for for Middle East studies and professor in the university.
studies and professor in the university. In the last 15 years, I work for
In the last 15 years, I work for education in war zones. what I believed
education in war zones. what I believed after the Arab Spring started in
after the Arab Spring started in 2012 one year later that if we won't
2012 one year later that if we won't start and change from the inside inside
start and change from the inside inside the field all this brutalization the
the field all this brutalization the extremism
extremism fundamentalization in the area we won't
fundamentalization in the area we won't make it because we have to change the
make it because we have to change the hearts we have to change the way of mind
hearts we have to change the way of mind not in the universities we have to start
not in the universities we have to start from the kindergarten and from the first
from the kindergarten and from the first grade if we really want to change this
grade if we really want to change this part parts of the
part parts of the world. I' I've been through with my kids
world. I' I've been through with my kids many many brutal years. I have over 800
many many brutal years. I have over 800 kids in in in the in the Middle East
kids in in in the in the Middle East region, but now I also work in Africa
region, but now I also work in Africa and other
and other places. And the most important thing
places. And the most important thing that we have to understand that we have
that we have to understand that we have a very brutal history. We must change
a very brutal history. We must change it. We have to look forward to the
it. We have to look forward to the future.
future. I was born in Kibutz in a community in
I was born in Kibutz in a community in the south in
the south in 1975. My family lost people in October
1975. My family lost people in October 7th. My sister family the youngest uh
7th. My sister family the youngest uh kid uh the youngest youngest baby who
kid uh the youngest youngest baby who has lost uh who lost her father was born
has lost uh who lost her father was born three later after that. And it was very
three later after that. And it was very hard for me and people asked me how can
hard for me and people asked me how can you continue to help other people Muslim
you continue to help other people Muslim people around the Middle East. But this
people around the Middle East. But this is a duty for us. We have to understand
is a duty for us. We have to understand that the kids the future of the kids
that the kids the future of the kids these kids is our responsibility. If we
these kids is our responsibility. If we won't make that change, nobody will do
won't make that change, nobody will do it for us. And I work in very brutal
it for us. And I work in very brutal places. Um, at the beginning I started
places. Um, at the beginning I started after the Arab Spring started in Syria
after the Arab Spring started in Syria with young orphans that survived ISIS,
with young orphans that survived ISIS, survived other organizations, terror
survived other organizations, terror organizations. And I just collect them
organizations. And I just collect them and we started as a
and we started as a nonprofit school that that we had. Part
nonprofit school that that we had. Part of them were with very brutal um oral
of them were with very brutal um oral injuries. They couldn't speak, they
injuries. They couldn't speak, they couldn't talk, they couldn't even
couldn't talk, they couldn't even swallow. And we brought them the
swallow. And we brought them the formulas border soup. I remember that
formulas border soup. I remember that that uh they could swallow and after
that uh they could swallow and after that to bring them the profession for
that to bring them the profession for the next day after school. This is very
the next day after school. This is very important because if we advocate for
important because if we advocate for peace for tolerance and everything will
peace for tolerance and everything will be okay in during the school school uh
be okay in during the school school uh school years it's very good but it's not
school years it's very good but it's not giving them the future. So after two
giving them the future. So after two years I started to establish other
years I started to establish other schools, art schools for for the kids
schools, art schools for for the kids who cannot speak and more technology
who cannot speak and more technology schools in war zones even in very very
schools in war zones even in very very very complicated and very sensitive
very complicated and very sensitive places that I cannot mention here but
places that I cannot mention here but very uh goodwill of even the authorities
very uh goodwill of even the authorities um led me and by the god and by pope
um led me and by the god and by pope Francis we are all led to do this
Francis we are all led to do this all good will and good things in in the
all good will and good things in in the Middle East and also the Gulf region. I
Middle East and also the Gulf region. I would like to say that we always can
would like to say that we always can hate. It's very very easy to hate people
hate. It's very very easy to hate people like to tell from inside is really
like to tell from inside is really really tough very emotional. We cannot
really tough very emotional. We cannot allow it. We have to change this all
allow it. We have to change this all things. We have to think about the
things. We have to think about the beauty of this world. what we can
beauty of this world. what we can achieve with our goals and focusing all
achieve with our goals and focusing all the time for practical activism. If we
the time for practical activism. If we won't make it practical, we will all
won't make it practical, we will all speak about it. It won't help. We have
speak about it. It won't help. We have to go to the inside of these fields
to go to the inside of these fields inside of Gaza, inside of Israel, also
inside of Gaza, inside of Israel, also inside other places, not only the the
inside other places, not only the the the original places that we are know
the original places that we are know that we are well known, not only in
that we are well known, not only in Damascus, but also other villages around
Damascus, but also other villages around and just to change it from the inside to
and just to change it from the inside to fight the extremism. Extremism is a very
fight the extremism. Extremism is a very brutal thing. Like I don't think that
brutal thing. Like I don't think that even people that act like ISIS for me
even people that act like ISIS for me this is not Islam. I see the Islam in a
this is not Islam. I see the Islam in a different way. I see the beauty of
different way. I see the beauty of Islam. I just came back now from Saudi
Islam. I just came back now from Saudi Arabia. Israel and Saudi Arabia we don't
Arabia. Israel and Saudi Arabia we don't have any diplomatic relations but there
have any diplomatic relations but there is a very good will to change these
is a very good will to change these things to make normalization between the
things to make normalization between the nations and to make it a better place
nations and to make it a better place for all of us. We are not allowed to do
for all of us. We are not allowed to do it in a different way. And I think that
it in a different way. And I think that this this event uh Alliance of
this this event uh Alliance of Civilization on behalf of the United
Civilization on behalf of the United Nation is a very important place. It a
Nation is a very important place. It a very important stage to say our word to
very important stage to say our word to see and to think about it, how to
see and to think about it, how to collaborate it together, how to act and
collaborate it together, how to act and thank you for for my friend who spoke so
thank you for for my friend who spoke so beautifully because this is the main the
beautifully because this is the main the issue of the our heart and our goals to
issue of the our heart and our goals to take this education from the inside from
take this education from the inside from the kindergarten and to change it and
the kindergarten and to change it and this is very important. I know that
this is very important. I know that there are lots of emot emotions around
there are lots of emot emotions around many things to say but we are here to
many things to say but we are here to see the future to bring it better place
see the future to bring it better place to to many so many kids around the world
to to many so many kids around the world and um nowadays I'm establishing a a
and um nowadays I'm establishing a a huge fund education for peace foundation
huge fund education for peace foundation which will be the next generation of
which will be the next generation of activism and of course um Miguel
activism and of course um Miguel Moratinos is supporting and other other
Moratinos is supporting and other other people around the world But I would like
people around the world But I would like to say that the most important is to
to say that the most important is to make it as different parties that each
make it as different parties that each one of the parties um belong to another
one of the parties um belong to another activism because alone we cannot do it.
activism because alone we cannot do it. We are we have to be and cooperate all
We are we have to be and cooperate all over the world together all the nations
over the world together all the nations together and this is very important. So
together and this is very important. So of course I have some leaders who
of course I have some leaders who support like his majesty king Charles um
support like his majesty king Charles um the president of
the president of Portugal, prime minister of Poland and
Portugal, prime minister of Poland and many very good people that we that work
many very good people that we that work with with my teams. I have currently
with with my teams. I have currently over 40 people volunteers nonprofit
over 40 people volunteers nonprofit organization non nonprofit fund and we
organization non nonprofit fund and we are going to establish education against
are going to establish education against radicalization and extremism against
radicalization and extremism against fund fundamentalization and moreover I
fund fundamentalization and moreover I would like to say that Quran the new
would like to say that Quran the new bible and also the old bible are very
bible and also the old bible are very very important if someone think that the
very important if someone think that the the religious are causes of all the wars
the religious are causes of all the wars it's wrong it's mistake to think like
it's wrong it's mistake to think like that religious is a beautiful thing. We
that religious is a beautiful thing. We have to take it the sources the beauty
have to take it the sources the beauty of our religious and to make it shining
of our religious and to make it shining to flourish with us. Not to take the
to flourish with us. Not to take the extremism and try to make the
extremism and try to make the combination between the religious and
combination between the religious and very bad activism that we can see and
very bad activism that we can see and find in the world. And this is our
find in the world. And this is our fighting. This is what we want to do
fighting. This is what we want to do currently in this plate.
much. Thank you very much. It was a beautiful speech
regarding what you're communicating education or practical
communicating education or practical education of what we want
education of what we want to is what we want to achieve through
to is what we want to achieve through this days. Now I would like to give the
this days. Now I would like to give the floor to the mayor of Seria, Mr. Carlos
floor to the mayor of Seria, Mr. Carlos Martinez
Martinez Ming. As Mr. Capasio already
Ming. As Mr. Capasio already explained, cities are very important
explained, cities are very important because they have real contact with
because they have real contact with their citizens.
I would like to know what are the challenges that you face as a
mayor and as a person that is um building a peace from the grassroots
um building a peace from the grassroots and what is the influence of
and what is the influence of international uh stakeholders and what
international uh stakeholders and what is the support that can come from
is the support that can come from them. Well, good morning everyone.
them. Well, good morning everyone. And first of all, I would like to say
And first of all, I would like to say thank you to the municipality of
thank you to the municipality of Garnika, its mayor and its
Garnika, its mayor and its representatives for hosting us here, as
representatives for hosting us here, as well as the United Nations through the
well as the United Nations through the high representative Malan Moratinos that
high representative Malan Moratinos that has invited me to um speak about the
has invited me to um speak about the commitment of a medium-sized city in
commitment of a medium-sized city in Spain, taking into account the uh
Spain, taking into account the uh situation in the world that is not a
situation in the world that is not a simple one as Michelle explained because
simple one as Michelle explained because you didn't talk about despair but you
you didn't talk about despair but you made us aware of how we need to um face
made us aware of how we need to um face things in a crude manner. We need to
things in a crude manner. We need to face the international challenges in
face the international challenges in these geopolitical context that is harsh
these geopolitical context that is harsh and deficile with um political uh agents
and deficile with um political uh agents that are rowing against peace, social
that are rowing against peace, social justice and the values and principles
justice and the values and principles that have allowed us to progress as
that have allowed us to progress as mankind especially during the second
mankind especially during the second half of the 20th century till uh now and
half of the 20th century till uh now and if we're not able to understand this uh
if we're not able to understand this uh um political context we won't be able to
um political context we won't be able to provide solutions to this
provide solutions to this challenges. I'm one of these people that
challenges. I'm one of these people that believes that when it was approved
unanimously between all the countries in the UN the uh passing of the SDGs
the UN the uh passing of the SDGs nowadays it would be very difficult.
nowadays it would be very difficult. We've renewed a pact for the future
We've renewed a pact for the future where we talk about the political action
where we talk about the political action of the institutions which are a people,
of the institutions which are a people, planet and democracy as a fundamental
planet and democracy as a fundamental objectives. And when we talk about a
objectives. And when we talk about a people and this has been mentioned in
people and this has been mentioned in the previous panel, it is important to
the previous panel, it is important to recover the dignity of
recover the dignity of all. Here we have the Antonio Matsado
all. Here we have the Antonio Matsado High School from
High School from Sora students. And uh I want to go back
Sora students. And uh I want to go back to this wonderful poet Antonio Matsado
to this wonderful poet Antonio Matsado that said that no one is more than
that said that no one is more than anyone else. Something that he heard uh
anyone else. Something that he heard uh being said because we need equality,
being said because we need equality, social justice
social justice um and we all should have equal rights
um and we all should have equal rights and opportunities. And that's what we're
and opportunities. And that's what we're talking about here today. So uh as
talking about here today. So uh as politicians we need to focus on the
politicians we need to focus on the rights of citizens on uh equity and we
rights of citizens on uh equity and we need to provide the common space as was
need to provide the common space as was uh
uh mentioned before and that was uh part of
mentioned before and that was uh part of the legacy of Pope Francis that clearly
the legacy of Pope Francis that clearly uh talks about two actions people and
uh talks about two actions people and planet also the planet when there's some
planet also the planet when there's some that deny what is happening which is uh
that deny what is happening which is uh uh perverse and that is being shared as
uh perverse and that is being shared as a fake news and that also means that we
a fake news and that also means that we are not all um working to take care of
are not all um working to take care of our planet our uh common um and shared
our planet our uh common um and shared space. So we need to put in place the
space. So we need to put in place the public policies to defend us from the uh
public policies to defend us from the uh uh wild west that some want to uh
uh wild west that some want to uh create. So we need to continue evolving,
create. So we need to continue evolving, improving, reviewing so that we continue
improving, reviewing so that we continue to be efficient when as achieving our
to be efficient when as achieving our goals of improving the planet and uh
goals of improving the planet and uh people's lives. That's why we need to
people's lives. That's why we need to reinvent things uh in an ongoing manner
reinvent things uh in an ongoing manner and that was the common action um on a
and that was the common action um on a paper of uh
paper of uh countries and then there are other
countries and then there are other options that I wouldn't want to analyze
options that I wouldn't want to analyze today but suddenly um we have wars wars
today but suddenly um we have wars wars that are very present and we should also
that are very present and we should also um um look into that because as
um um look into that because as Europeans we start to be aware awake
Europeans we start to be aware awake when they're closer to us because there
when they're closer to us because there are other wars that have been very
are other wars that have been very active for many years. You've talked
active for many years. You've talked about Palestine. We can talk about
about Palestine. We can talk about Sahara, Africa, Latin America. We can
Sahara, Africa, Latin America. We can also mention uh the Middle East and the
also mention uh the Middle East and the Euro Asian uh area. So wars never
Euro Asian uh area. So wars never um cease to exist, but now they are back
um cease to exist, but now they are back in Europe. And this means that we see
in Europe. And this means that we see the need of going back to the uh United
the need of going back to the uh United Nations Alliance of
Nations Alliance of Civilizations because as democrats we
Civilizations because as democrats we get together at an international level
get together at an international level to be able to through public uh policies
to be able to through public uh policies do something that should be the
do something that should be the foundation for all public uh policies
foundation for all public uh policies and uh to work uh on peace. Without
and uh to work uh on peace. Without this, it will be impossible to progress.
this, it will be impossible to progress. And as this is what makes sense from the
And as this is what makes sense from the starting point, we should consider peace
starting point, we should consider peace as the fundamental objective at all
as the fundamental objective at all levels of administration, even in local
levels of administration, even in local governments. Today I'm very uh pleased
governments. Today I'm very uh pleased that uh the young students from the
that uh the young students from the Antonio Matsado High School are here
Antonio Matsado High School are here together with their teachers so that
together with their teachers so that they see how a small town also has its
they see how a small town also has its voice in an international geopolitical
voice in an international geopolitical uh um event organized by the UN so that
uh um event organized by the UN so that they see that a middlesized city also
they see that a middlesized city also has its responsibility when contributing
has its responsibility when contributing to their um with their political
to their um with their political commitment and engagement because
commitment and engagement because sometimes we understand that the peace
sometimes we understand that the peace is the absence of uh a war and this is
is the absence of uh a war and this is not so when we talk about how uh town
not so when we talk about how uh town council's
council's research through our different
research through our different organizations and uh we work with the
organizations and uh we work with the new urban agenda and we also include
new urban agenda and we also include peace is there. We need to understand
peace is there. We need to understand that a small city has a lot to
that a small city has a lot to contribute in the international
contribute in the international geopolitical context because in the
geopolitical context because in the absence of war, we also need to make
absence of war, we also need to make visible other kinds of
visible other kinds of violence that
violence that uh arise in cities and that uh are not
uh arise in cities and that uh are not looked into. We have to look into their
looked into. We have to look into their origin to see uh how this happens, why
origin to see uh how this happens, why this happens and how they later on
this happens and how they later on escalate. So we need to study violence
escalate. So we need to study violence in cities from the perspective of
in cities from the perspective of inequality or also violence on uh
inequality or also violence on uh women. violence because of sexual
women. violence because of sexual orientation, because of race, because of
orientation, because of race, because of uh others being different, because
uh others being different, because they're migrants, because they are a
they're migrants, because they are a different uh uh social uh classes. And
different uh uh social uh classes. And these are sources of conflict and a city
these are sources of conflict and a city council like ours has to address all
council like ours has to address all these issues or because there is not the
these issues or because there is not the adequate interpretation of religion or
adequate interpretation of religion or faith. because if we would go to the
faith. because if we would go to the sources all this could be
avoided. So this is something that we also do as local governments to research
also do as local governments to research uh causes and try to
um avoid inequalities that uh create uh violence and that later on escalate and
violence and that later on escalate and become uh wars. And in fact, the bishop
become uh wars. And in fact, the bishop of Bil Bao mentioned this before. Evil
of Bil Bao mentioned this before. Evil that will not disappear or the eternal
that will not disappear or the eternal uh conflict of interest from the social
uh conflict of interest from the social and economic standpoint exists between
and economic standpoint exists between human beings and territories and how in
human beings and territories and how in the way in which we manage things, we
the way in which we manage things, we will be able to find efficient solutions
will be able to find efficient solutions to be able to uh coexist and live
to be able to uh coexist and live together in a community. And how do we
together in a community. And how do we do this from
do this from a town council? Well, we try and find
a town council? Well, we try and find the uh origin of the conflict and we uh
the uh origin of the conflict and we uh show our political engagement because at
show our political engagement because at the end of the day, that's what we have
the end of the day, that's what we have to to do. It's easier to have a
to to do. It's easier to have a political uh engagement with those that
political uh engagement with those that are educated, trained, and better
are educated, trained, and better informed. And in fact, someone mentioned
informed. And in fact, someone mentioned before the role of media and how this is
before the role of media and how this is key too. But I wouldn't only focus on
key too. But I wouldn't only focus on the uh um youth they are being educated
the uh um youth they are being educated and trained. But the situation in which
and trained. But the situation in which we are now find ourselves now is because
we are now find ourselves now is because of what we've done in the past. Maybe we
of what we've done in the past. Maybe we had done things better. We should not
had done things better. We should not focus so much on them. They are doing so
focus so much on them. They are doing so much because they are already evolving.
much because they are already evolving. So we need to generate the public policy
So we need to generate the public policy structures so that they as young people
structures so that they as young people can make decisions for the future or in
can make decisions for the future or in the present but without just focusing
the present but without just focusing responsibility on them because we are
responsibility on them because we are also responsible for what is happening.
also responsible for what is happening. So I insist from local governments and
So I insist from local governments and through our influence we want to address
through our influence we want to address that when there is a failure of
that when there is a failure of diplomacy between states and um
diplomacy between states and um multilateralism we need to have more
multilateralism we need to have more diplomacy uh between
diplomacy uh between cities. We try and defend what some
cities. We try and defend what some countries deny starting with the
countries deny starting with the US and also some uh uh political parties
US and also some uh uh political parties in the EU that are growing and they say
in the EU that are growing and they say that uh sustainable development goals
that uh sustainable development goals and the um are not effective. So we need
and the um are not effective. So we need to explain this clearly so that people
to explain this clearly so that people understand what the urban agenda and the
understand what the urban agenda and the agenda 2030 are. This means that we need
agenda 2030 are. This means that we need to generate equality amongst the
to generate equality amongst the territories, neighborhoods in a city and
territories, neighborhoods in a city and municipalities and regions in a country
municipalities and regions in a country means planning in a strategic manner.
means planning in a strategic manner. Taking into account the starting point
Taking into account the starting point to be able to correct things and be more
to be able to correct things and be more efficient. And uh
efficient. And uh also citizens need to demand that this
also citizens need to demand that this public policies are efficient enough to
public policies are efficient enough to solve their problems and they should
solve their problems and they should create an perfect alliance between civil
create an perfect alliance between civil society, the organized representatives,
society, the organized representatives, the citizenship and the different
the citizenship and the different organizations and public institutions.
organizations and public institutions. And this is something that you can
And this is something that you can achieve at a city level because we are
achieve at a city level because we are close to citizens but we're also uh
close to citizens but we're also uh present and also because we are aware of
present and also because we are aware of their realities. So this is the starting
their realities. So this is the starting uh
uh point and regarding our
point and regarding our responsibilities, we not only need the
responsibilities, we not only need the adequate uh um urban um plan planning uh
adequate uh um urban um plan planning uh having sports facilities so that we uh
having sports facilities so that we uh focus on integration and coexistence
focus on integration and coexistence through this uh facilities also with
through this uh facilities also with culture, theater, dance because culture
culture, theater, dance because culture is fundamental for integration and we
is fundamental for integration and we it's also alo in our hands. We need to
it's also alo in our hands. We need to create public spaces that guarantee the
create public spaces that guarantee the rights of citizens so that not only
rights of citizens so that not only those that can pay for it can um go to
those that can pay for it can um go to theater and not only those that can pay
theater and not only those that can pay for it can go to a gym. So we need to
for it can go to a gym. So we need to provide the facilities and
provide the facilities and infrastructures and to therefore have a
infrastructures and to therefore have a society that is educated, trained and is
society that is educated, trained and is demanding uh their rights uh
demanding uh their rights uh So, and to finish, I'm talking about a
So, and to finish, I'm talking about a political uh commitment, a society that
political uh commitment, a society that is empathetic,
is empathetic, um cultured, educated, and that uh
um cultured, educated, and that uh demands from the politicians what they
demands from the politicians what they need so
need so that not others that come with the
that not others that come with the simple solutions are the ones
simple solutions are the ones implementing uh policies. And if we're
implementing uh policies. And if we're able to achieve all of this, that is
able to achieve all of this, that is very difficult, we will be able to look
very difficult, we will be able to look at the origin of violence and address
at the origin of violence and address violence at as at its
origin. So we need to focus on the politics in the small towns and villages
politics in the small towns and villages and in big cities. and this uh uh
and in big cities. and this uh uh revolutions from the grassroots are the
revolutions from the grassroots are the ones that are able to change things in
ones that are able to change things in small towns and in big uh cities. Thank
small towns and in big uh cities. Thank you.
Thank you so much uh Mr. Mayor. Now I will go the floor and I uh apologize to
will go the floor and I uh apologize to Mr. Alberto Alonso.
Alberto Alonso is the director of the Basque Institute for Memory Gora.
Mr. Alonso, I have a question that is uh similar to the one I just asked to the
similar to the one I just asked to the mayor of Saudia. What is the fundamental
mayor of Saudia. What is the fundamental or the main role of international
or the main role of international organizations in the construction of a
organizations in the construction of a peace? Uh good morning and uh thank you
peace? Uh good morning and uh thank you for inviting me. He just said a few
for inviting me. He just said a few words in Basque. Good morning. I would
words in Basque. Good morning. I would like to thank the
like to thank the organization for inviting me to be a
organization for inviting me to be a part of this interesting uh panel. Yes,
part of this interesting uh panel. Yes, I am the director of the Basque
I am the director of the Basque Institute for
Institute for Memory, Coexistence and Human Rights,
Memory, Coexistence and Human Rights, Gora and my contribution after listening
Gora and my contribution after listening to the previous
to the previous panelists and uh my contribution and
panelists and uh my contribution and this is what we do in Basque society has
this is what we do in Basque society has to do with uh creating coexistence
to do with uh creating coexistence through memory.
through memory. For us it is fundamental. As you know
For us it is fundamental. As you know our recent past is
our recent past is um full of pain, suffering and uh uh
um full of pain, suffering and uh uh political violence up to 15 years ago.
political violence up to 15 years ago. So for us it's fundamental to look
So for us it's fundamental to look towards the past and all the uh
towards the past and all the uh suffering generated by the dictatorship
suffering generated by the dictatorship of General Franco but also all the
of General Franco but also all the suffering for the
suffering for the Basque citizens and for Spanish citizens
Basque citizens and for Spanish citizens of political violence. So for us it's a
of political violence. So for us it's a essential to work on a memory that is
essential to work on a memory that is the name of the institute but always
the name of the institute but always focusing on coexistence and that's what
focusing on coexistence and that's what differentiates gora from a department of
differentiates gora from a department of uh contemporary history at any
uh contemporary history at any university.
university. So we want to look towards the
So we want to look towards the past with the aim of uh building uh the
past with the aim of uh building uh the future of our citizens with the respect
future of our citizens with the respect and um commitment towards human rights.
and um commitment towards human rights. For us, memory has uh to do with looking
For us, memory has uh to do with looking at the past but also questioning it and
at the past but also questioning it and uh taking lessons from our past that
uh taking lessons from our past that reinforce our values in the
reinforce our values in the present. In the looking at our memories,
present. In the looking at our memories, we try and find those uh ideas that
we try and find those uh ideas that reinforce what we want to achieve in the
reinforce what we want to achieve in the present.
present. Memory is different from history because
Memory is different from history because it selects those experiences from the
it selects those experiences from the past that can reinforce our values. For
past that can reinforce our values. For example, democratic memory, how from the
example, democratic memory, how from the present and with our engagement with
present and with our engagement with freedom and democracy.
freedom and democracy. we look towards those experiences that
we look towards those experiences that can
can reinforce how we uh deal and uh and are
reinforce how we uh deal and uh and are committed with democracy nowadays. So we
committed with democracy nowadays. So we always have to look at the
always have to look at the past in all its
complexity and a historian cannot uh silence parts of the
historian cannot uh silence parts of the past. And maybe that's what's most
past. And maybe that's what's most important about memory. that as soon as
important about memory. that as soon as we are choosing some experiences of the
we are choosing some experiences of the past to reinforce the values of the
past to reinforce the values of the present, somehow we are also um uh
present, somehow we are also um uh forgetting many other experiences. And
forgetting many other experiences. And this is something that we are also very
this is something that we are also very aware at in Goora when we um build on
aware at in Goora when we um build on our memory. When we all collectively
our memory. When we all collectively together decide what are those
together decide what are those experiences from the past that reinforce
experiences from the past that reinforce uh what our values of the present is um
uh what our values of the present is um something that has to not be simplified.
something that has to not be simplified. We should not simplify things. We should
We should not simplify things. We should not go to that narrative and that is not
not go to that narrative and that is not rigorous and that is starts to be more a
rigorous and that is starts to be more a myth or a legend than a real um history.
myth or a legend than a real um history. My friend Antonio Ria always talks about
My friend Antonio Ria always talks about the myths that made some uh kill. So a
the myths that made some uh kill. So a memory that is manipulated through
memory that is manipulated through political interests can justify violence
political interests can justify violence and the deepest dramas like terrorism
and the deepest dramas like terrorism uh
uh um police
um police violence outside the rule of law. So for
violence outside the rule of law. So for us it's very important to
us it's very important to uh see the
uh see the past in
past in uh including all the different uh
uh including all the different uh aspects and um far away from a half
aspects and um far away from a half truths or lies that become a lie if you
truths or lies that become a lie if you repeat it uh enough. So we want to build
repeat it uh enough. So we want to build this vision of the past uh mainly with
this vision of the past uh mainly with young
young people. Those uh young
people. Those uh young people because my generation was the
people because my generation was the last one that experienced violence in
last one that experienced violence in the streets since I was born till I was
the streets since I was born till I was 18. ETA killed eight people in my
18. ETA killed eight people in my hometown. And I discovered this when I
hometown. And I discovered this when I was more than 40 years old because the
was more than 40 years old because the silence not speaking about all these
silence not speaking about all these things meant that those of us that were
things meant that those of us that were uh um children didn't know what was
uh um children didn't know what was happening in this town with 10,000
happening in this town with 10,000 inhabitants. So we need to be able to
inhabitants. So we need to be able to explain things to new generations in a
explain things to new generations in a rigorous manner with uh an understanding
rigorous manner with uh an understanding of what happened because we need to
of what happened because we need to continue researching and looking into
continue researching and looking into things. We need to explain things in a
things. We need to explain things in a sincere manner. Let's stop worrying
sincere manner. Let's stop worrying about how we look in the picture and
about how we look in the picture and let's focus on the future we want to
let's focus on the future we want to build for others. Sometimes I have the
build for others. Sometimes I have the feeling that we fear
feeling that we fear uh more the uh questions from our uh
uh more the uh questions from our uh children, our
children, our relatives when they ask where were you
relatives when they ask where were you when all this was happening and this
when all this was happening and this means that maybe sometimes we are not
means that maybe sometimes we are not honest enough when speaking with this
honest enough when speaking with this younger generations with our daughters
younger generations with our daughters and sons. Thirdly, I believe it's very
and sons. Thirdly, I believe it's very important that once we give them the
important that once we give them the knowledge, we need to respect them
knowledge, we need to respect them enough so that they are able to build
enough so that they are able to build their own narrative, their own memory,
their own narrative, their own memory, their own vision of the past in a
their own vision of the past in a critical and reflective manner. And I
critical and reflective manner. And I always give the example of a climate
always give the example of a climate collapse. New generations look towards
collapse. New generations look towards the past and ask themselves, how did we
the past and ask themselves, how did we get here? They have questions and ask
get here? They have questions and ask questions that have nothing to do with
questions that have nothing to do with the questions we asked when we were
the questions we asked when we were younger that had more to do with social
younger that had more to do with social movements, feminist movements, um,
movements, feminist movements, um, workers movements. They have their own
workers movements. They have their own memory and their own right to uh, build
memory and their own right to uh, build their and create their own memory always
their and create their own memory always in a rigorous manner. And fourthly we
in a rigorous manner. And fourthly we need to
need to explain what are the um limits and that
explain what are the um limits and that we can explain this through the
we can explain this through the experiences of the past. We need to uh
experiences of the past. We need to uh explain that uh the um main uh element
explain that uh the um main uh element is the rule of law uh for us as
is the rule of law uh for us as democrats and outside that
um outside this norms this that we have as a society there's only a pain and
as a society there's only a pain and suffering I believe this is one of the
suffering I believe this is one of the biggest contributions we can make uh for
biggest contributions we can make uh for the future of
the future of the Basque people. And nowadays when we
the Basque people. And nowadays when we hear once again the uh hate messages,
hear once again the uh hate messages, when we see once again that we point out
when we see once again that we point out those that are different as if they were
those that are different as if they were enemies just because they are different,
enemies just because they are different, we need to raise our voices and
uh tell the Spanish and European uh citizenship that we've already been
citizenship that we've already been there. we know what's the deep pain of
there. we know what's the deep pain of uh this messages being part of society.
uh this messages being part of society. So we need to be able to warn them to
So we need to be able to warn them to explain that this will only create a
explain that this will only create a separation because through many years we
separation because through many years we haven't looked at each other. We've
haven't looked at each other. We've divided uh society. We allowed society
divided uh society. We allowed society to be divided because of this hate um
to be divided because of this hate um messages. So we need to be able to
messages. So we need to be able to explain that what's most important is
explain that what's most important is coexisted uh the right to be different
coexisted uh the right to be different and once we are able to understand that
and once we are able to understand that we have to work inside the rule of law
we have to work inside the rule of law that we have the basic regulation for
that we have the basic regulation for coexistence when all the different
coexistence when all the different parties have decided to work together
parties have decided to work together we've been able to live in a peace
we've been able to live in a peace The writer Bernardo and I will finish
The writer Bernardo and I will finish with this said that when
Bas didn't have the weight of the conflict and of the constant violence
conflict and of the constant violence that day we will be able to uh
that day we will be able to uh um lift a big weight from our backs and
um lift a big weight from our backs and Bernard Tara maybe got wrong the
Bernard Tara maybe got wrong the distance since then I I think we are
distance since then I I think we are able to levitate because uh of the uh
able to levitate because uh of the uh weight we don't have on our shoulders
weight we don't have on our shoulders anymore. So we have to look at the past
anymore. So we have to look at the past in an honest and sincere manner to
in an honest and sincere manner to provide the uh citizens the young
provide the uh citizens the young citizens of the tools to be able to
citizens of the tools to be able to build a critical memory and uh mainly to
build a critical memory and uh mainly to clearly explain what are the limits and
clearly explain what are the limits and how difficult it has been to uh have a
how difficult it has been to uh have a rule of law and to
rule of law and to coexist And um also uh provide them with
coexist And um also uh provide them with uh support all the information all the
uh support all the information all the uh historical uh rigor and research so
uh historical uh rigor and research so that they can be critical uh thinkers
that they can be critical uh thinkers and have this memory with them.
Thank you very much Mr. Alonso and we obviously forget about the
obviously forget about the pain that is produced by war that is
pain that is produced by war that is also produced by
also produced by destruction and which only serves to
destruction and which only serves to consider what peace actually means now
consider what peace actually means now more than ever before. But I would now
more than ever before. But I would now like to give the floor to Madame Saha
like to give the floor to Madame Saha Hassan. Welcome.
How can we enrich the alliance between the
can we enrich the alliance between the civil society, governments and
civil society, governments and multilateral institutions?
multilateral institutions? Thank you so much um for that question
Thank you so much um for that question and to all my u panelists, I'm really
and to all my u panelists, I'm really honored to be on a panel with all with
honored to be on a panel with all with all of you. Uh very impressive uh group
all of you. Uh very impressive uh group of people. Thank you to the high
of people. Thank you to the high representative uh Moritanis for inviting
representative uh Moritanis for inviting me and the mayor of Garnica for uh for
me and the mayor of Garnica for uh for also hosting us uh in this really dark
also hosting us uh in this really dark time honestly uh in the world. Um I I
time honestly uh in the world. Um I I want to talk a little bit about the
want to talk a little bit about the public institutions because I'm coming
public institutions because I'm coming from the United States of America and in
from the United States of America and in this moment it seems like a lot of uh a
this moment it seems like a lot of uh a lot of the uh disruption let's say
lot of the uh disruption let's say around the world um is being caused by
around the world um is being caused by uh by leadership from the country that
uh by leadership from the country that I'm coming from. I work at an
I'm coming from. I work at an institution called the Carnegie
institution called the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. And
Endowment for International Peace. And if you're not familiar with it, it's an
if you're not familiar with it, it's an institution that was created by Andrew
institution that was created by Andrew Carnegie uh before World War II uh in
Carnegie uh before World War II uh in the period uh just before and just after
the period uh just before and just after World War I where he had this this crazy
World War I where he had this this crazy idea. He thought, "How can we figure out
idea. He thought, "How can we figure out a way to end all war?" And he went about
a way to end all war?" And he went about creating this institution with the
creating this institution with the project of figuring out how to end war.
project of figuring out how to end war. He wasn't looking for a way to mitigate
He wasn't looking for a way to mitigate the worst uh impulses of war or to try
the worst uh impulses of war or to try to, you know, sand around the rough
to, you know, sand around the rough edges of war. He wanted to end war. So
edges of war. He wanted to end war. So he thought, let's bring the smartest
he thought, let's bring the smartest people together and let them, you know,
people together and let them, you know, have like basically a laboratory in
have like basically a laboratory in which they can figure out how to do
which they can figure out how to do that. I'm sad to report that uh uh
that. I'm sad to report that uh uh despite bringing some very intelligent
despite bringing some very intelligent people together uh over the many decades
people together uh over the many decades Carnegie has been around and it's it's
Carnegie has been around and it's it's over a hundred years old um we haven't
over a hundred years old um we haven't figured it out yet. And what I I am what
figured it out yet. And what I I am what I find unfortunate is that what we're
I find unfortunate is that what we're doing instead is trying to find out ways
doing instead is trying to find out ways to sand around the rough edges of war to
to sand around the rough edges of war to make it
make it more palatable. And uh and this
more palatable. And uh and this shouldn't be this shouldn't be our
shouldn't be this shouldn't be our agenda. Our agenda should be how to
agenda. Our agenda should be how to prevent war, how to you know increase
prevent war, how to you know increase the ability of people to uh have
the ability of people to uh have dialogue, to find diplomatic ways to
dialogue, to find diplomatic ways to resolve conflict and to get away from
resolve conflict and to get away from war. Um but what we see now is something
war. Um but what we see now is something quite different.
quite different. Um there's this uh you know some of the
Um there's this uh you know some of the comments that were made in the first
comments that were made in the first panel really especially about Pope
panel really especially about Pope Francis uh God rest his soul really
Francis uh God rest his soul really resonated with me this idea of you know
resonated with me this idea of you know being courageous taking risks um making
being courageous taking risks um making your values um live not just something
your values um live not just something that you have inside of you but
that you have inside of you but something that you practice
something that you practice um that's what He was the pope was this
um that's what He was the pope was this to all of us. He wasn't afraid when he
to all of us. He wasn't afraid when he visited Bethlehem to put his hand on uh
visited Bethlehem to put his hand on uh you know the separation wall and and to
you know the separation wall and and to pray silently. But that symbolism spoke
pray silently. But that symbolism spoke volumes around the world because of the
volumes around the world because of the institution that the pope is. Um, you
institution that the pope is. Um, you know, he wasn't afraid to show how he
know, he wasn't afraid to show how he would pick up the phone and call uh, you
would pick up the phone and call uh, you know, his uh, co-religionists in Gaza to
know, his uh, co-religionists in Gaza to find out how they're doing and let the
find out how they're doing and let the world know that he was doing that. He
world know that he was doing that. He wasn't afraid to speak out and call out
wasn't afraid to speak out and call out by name something that was wrong and to
by name something that was wrong and to use labels that
use labels that fit. He didn't speak in diplomatic terms
fit. He didn't speak in diplomatic terms in in those contexts. He called
in in those contexts. He called something what it was. He named it. And
something what it was. He named it. And that's so important because in an
that's so important because in an institution like mine
institution like mine where while Carnegie, Andrew Carnegie
where while Carnegie, Andrew Carnegie wanted to end war, think tanks and civil
wanted to end war, think tanks and civil society in general that work in in the
society in general that work in in the space of research and academia, we try
space of research and academia, we try to both sides everything. But there's
to both sides everything. But there's some things that are just plain wrong.
some things that are just plain wrong. There's some things that violate
There's some things that violate international law. There's some things
international law. There's some things that go against our values. And we
that go against our values. And we shouldn't be afraid to say so. We have
shouldn't be afraid to say so. We have to say so because if we make exceptions
to say so because if we make exceptions in one case, then we've lost the entire
in one case, then we've lost the entire value of of the structures that were
value of of the structures that were built uh in the aftermath of World War
built uh in the aftermath of World War II to protect all of us. Um there
II to protect all of us. Um there shouldn't be exceptionalism. And I think
shouldn't be exceptionalism. And I think that's what's really important about
that's what's really important about civil society and about building
civil society and about building um uh dialogue between communities is to
um uh dialogue between communities is to be able to speak frankly, to be able to
be able to speak frankly, to be able to name things, to be able to work together
name things, to be able to work together honestly and forthrightly. And and I
honestly and forthrightly. And and I think that this is something that's been
think that this is something that's been becoming more and more difficult in the
becoming more and more difficult in the United States, which is is frightening
United States, which is is frightening to me as someone who always appreciated
to me as someone who always appreciated because of my my family background
because of my my family background originating in Palestine. I always
originating in Palestine. I always appreciated the fact that I live in a
appreciated the fact that I live in a liberal democracy in which there is
liberal democracy in which there is freedom of speech, the right to dissent.
freedom of speech, the right to dissent. In fact, it was encouraged because
In fact, it was encouraged because through disscent and um the marketplace
through disscent and um the marketplace of ideas, we can have better policy. And
of ideas, we can have better policy. And I work in policy. So for me, this is the
I work in policy. So for me, this is the bread and butter of
bread and butter of being a policy analyst is being able to
being a policy analyst is being able to talk about bad policy and good policy
talk about bad policy and good policy and encourage policy makers to choose
and encourage policy makers to choose better policy. And right now in the
better policy. And right now in the United States, we are having trouble
United States, we are having trouble with this idea of dissent. Um we're
with this idea of dissent. Um we're seeing a crackdown on um on disfavored
seeing a crackdown on um on disfavored speech, speech that is against war,
speech, speech that is against war, speech calling for a ceasefire, speech
speech calling for a ceasefire, speech advocating for the human rights of
advocating for the human rights of people that are facing daily
people that are facing daily bombardment, people who are being denied
bombardment, people who are being denied food, water, and medicine. We're in the
food, water, and medicine. We're in the 50th day now of a complete blockade of
50th day now of a complete blockade of Gaza and it's difficult to be able to
Gaza and it's difficult to be able to name that in the United States now
name that in the United States now because of um restrictions that are
because of um restrictions that are being put on civil society to pre to
being put on civil society to pre to prevent them from speaking. And this is
prevent them from speaking. And this is not just individuals. We're seeing
not just individuals. We're seeing attacks on academic institutions.
attacks on academic institutions. We're seeing threats that the nonprofit
We're seeing threats that the nonprofit status of philanthropies are going to be
status of philanthropies are going to be withdrawn so that they can't support
withdrawn so that they can't support civil society organizations that are
civil society organizations that are trying to advocate for peace. We're
trying to advocate for peace. We're seeing academic institutions losing
seeing academic institutions losing billions of dollars in funding. Many
billions of dollars in funding. Many have closed down. Many um think tanks in
have closed down. Many um think tanks in the in the Washington DC area have been
the in the Washington DC area have been shut down because of their advocacy for
shut down because of their advocacy for disfavored ideas like peace in the
disfavored ideas like peace in the Middle East, like um the rights of of
Middle East, like um the rights of of minorities, um of supporting diversity,
minorities, um of supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Uh, so it's a
equity, and inclusion. Uh, so it's a it's a very fraught time and I fear the
it's a very fraught time and I fear the impact these measures are going to have,
impact these measures are going to have, not just in the United States and how
not just in the United States and how it's going to impact vulnerable
it's going to impact vulnerable communities and the ability for those
communities and the ability for those that advocate on their behalf to be able
that advocate on their behalf to be able to pursue policy change. But because of
to pursue policy change. But because of the impact and the footprint the United
the impact and the footprint the United States has around the world, I fear what
States has around the world, I fear what it's going to do to other countries and
it's going to do to other countries and the way that they are approaching
the way that they are approaching different policy issues. I fear of what
different policy issues. I fear of what it's going to do to multilateral
it's going to do to multilateral institutions like the UN to have the
institutions like the UN to have the world's superpower dictating the terms
world's superpower dictating the terms of acceptable speech and the acceptable
of acceptable speech and the acceptable position to take when it comes to war
position to take when it comes to war and peace. So, you know, this is a an
and peace. So, you know, this is a an incredibly difficult time and and having
incredibly difficult time and and having a conversation like this in which we can
a conversation like this in which we can talk about what are some of the ways we
talk about what are some of the ways we can approach this moment. Um there is a
can approach this moment. Um there is a fierce urgency of now. It's important
fierce urgency of now. It's important for us to learn the lessons of the past
for us to learn the lessons of the past and to think about a better future. But
and to think about a better future. But there's a moment right now where people
there's a moment right now where people are in serious conflict. People are
are in serious conflict. People are being deprived of the essentials of
being deprived of the essentials of life. What can we do now to make sure
life. What can we do now to make sure that we're able to to uh advocate for an
that we're able to to uh advocate for an end to
end to this despite the many restrictions? And
this despite the many restrictions? And and I go back to uh and I'll conclude
and I go back to uh and I'll conclude with this. I go back to the example of
with this. I go back to the example of of uh Pope Francis who took risks, who
of uh Pope Francis who took risks, who wasn't afraid to speak out, who could
wasn't afraid to speak out, who could have, you know, just been the beloved
have, you know, just been the beloved pope to the world and and uh not put
pope to the world and and uh not put himself out there, but he did. And I
himself out there, but he did. And I think that's what this moment demands of
think that's what this moment demands of all of us. It demands us all to take
all of us. It demands us all to take risks, to be clear about our values, and
risks, to be clear about our values, and to practice them. Thank you.
[Applause] Thank you very much, Mrs. Hassan.
Okay. Well, now to close because we are fine timewise, I've now like to give the
fine timewise, I've now like to give the floor to Carmen
floor to Carmen Maron.
Maron. And I think that it would also be very
And I think that it would also be very important for you to say a couple of
important for you to say a couple of things about how civil society, how
things about how civil society, how civil society can collaborate
civil society can collaborate efficaciously as regards to these
efficaciously as regards to these uh efforts aimed at achieving peace.
uh efforts aimed at achieving peace. Thank you very much for inviting me. Uh
Thank you very much for inviting me. Uh iso, I will speak in Spanish.
iso, I will speak in Spanish. Gracias. Thank you. Thank you very much
Gracias. Thank you. Thank you very much for having um organized this event
for having um organized this event because the truth is that it has been
because the truth is that it has been like a sort of I don't know it's like
like a sort of I don't know it's like seeing the light shining at the end of
seeing the light shining at the end of the tunnel and I must also say that I'm
the tunnel and I must also say that I'm delighted to be in this town. I've been
delighted to be in this town. I've been here many times to meet up with my
here many times to meet up with my friends from Garnika Goratus that is the
friends from Garnika Goratus that is the museum for peace because I am a member
museum for peace because I am a member of an institution that forms part of the
of an institution that forms part of the Spanish association of research for
Spanish association of research for peace and this is a foundation where the
peace and this is a foundation where the government of Aragon is involved
government of Aragon is involved together with the Aragon parliament and
together with the Aragon parliament and the company of Jesus. So that means that
the company of Jesus. So that means that the institutions of civil society are
the institutions of civil society are involved together with NOS's that are
involved together with NOS's that are represented. And I also have to say
represented. And I also have to say because this is one of the new
because this is one of the new developments we have in this country is
developments we have in this country is that at our foundation we also have the
that at our foundation we also have the military involved. And at this point in
military involved. And at this point in time now that we are absolutely shocked
time now that we are absolutely shocked by the militarist trend that we can see
by the militarist trend that we can see in the rest of the world because of the
in the rest of the world because of the many promilitarist speeches. I would
many promilitarist speeches. I would like to present one of the things that
like to present one of the things that we always defend and that is that being
we always defend and that is that being anti-militarist doesn't mean that you
anti-militarist doesn't mean that you are
are anti-military because militarism is an
anti-military because militarism is an ideology that chooses a force and
ideology that chooses a force and weapons to address conflicts and you
weapons to address conflicts and you know that the military or this is a
know that the military or this is a profession these are people that are in
profession these are people that are in the defense institutions of the country
the defense institutions of the country so on and so forth. So one of the main
so on and so forth. So one of the main ideas here is how are we supposed to
ideas here is how are we supposed to work so that militarism is does not
work so that militarism is does not cover absolutely
cover absolutely everything. And the truth is that we are
everything. And the truth is that we are now listening to all of these speeches
now listening to all of these speeches that we can see on television and in the
that we can see on television and in the media that are in favor of rearming and
media that are in favor of rearming and that are in favor of spending more money
that are in favor of spending more money on weapons. But I think that one of the
on weapons. But I think that one of the things that civil society can do in this
things that civil society can do in this case is counteract that discourse, in
case is counteract that discourse, in other words,
other words, delegitimize this idea, this idea that
delegitimize this idea, this idea that says that weapons are necessary. And we
says that weapons are necessary. And we have to
have to delegitim delegitimize this thing
delegitim delegitimize this thing because if it's only this discourse that
because if it's only this discourse that predominates, we're going to end up
predominates, we're going to end up having the what we call the pymealion um
having the what we call the pymealion um um effect that is the prophecy that
um effect that is the prophecy that fulfills itself. One of the institutions
fulfills itself. One of the institutions that is also very cherished uh by
us. It was the Pakwash Institute where we have lots of
Institute where we have lots of international scientists there and they
international scientists there and they are telling us how we are getting closer
are telling us how we are getting closer and closer to that possible predominance
and closer to that possible predominance of nuclear weaponry and how the
of nuclear weaponry and how the international agreements are going to be
international agreements are going to be set aside. And they are also telling us
set aside. And they are also telling us that those periods in which there's an
that those periods in which there's an increase in the expenditure on weapons
increase in the expenditure on weapons are those periods that can end up
are those periods that can end up producing a conflict, a war because as
producing a conflict, a war because as they say in nonviolence, whoever holds
they say in nonviolence, whoever holds the hammer will believes that the rest
the hammer will believes that the rest of the world looks like a nail.
of the world looks like a nail. So I'm going to leave this message with
So I'm going to leave this message with you people and that is that we have to
you people and that is that we have to make visible the voices in favor of
make visible the voices in favor of peace even if they are a minority
peace even if they are a minority because for instance and with my pupils
because for instance and with my pupils and uh when I only spoke about wars and
and uh when I only spoke about wars and about the dangers associated with
about the dangers associated with nuclear energy as a professor of physics
nuclear energy as a professor of physics I noticed that I also had to explain to
I noticed that I also had to explain to these people what the people in have
these people what the people in have done over the is and we have to work
done over the is and we have to work with those legacies with those historic
with those legacies with those historic legacies. In other words, with the
legacies. In other words, with the legacy of the people that are here to
legacy of the people that are here to build peace that my colleagues will be
build peace that my colleagues will be talking about in the next panel
talking about in the next panel discussion. But this is a legacy that
discussion. But this is a legacy that has to do with looking after the lives
has to do with looking after the lives of human beings and caring for human
of human beings and caring for human life. So I think that I'd connect this
life. So I think that I'd connect this to what you've said on this panel
to what you've said on this panel discussion. I love underscoring whatever
discussion. I love underscoring whatever is positive, whatever has to do with
is positive, whatever has to do with education or with local institutions
education or with local institutions because we in my city a few years ago
because we in my city a few years ago the um treaty banning the nuclear
the um treaty banning the nuclear weapons that has not been signed by the
weapons that has not been signed by the Spanish government but we have suggested
Spanish government but we have suggested that town council s um signed it and
that town council s um signed it and ours did. So these are things that civil
ours did. So these are things that civil society can get done. Civil society can
society can get done. Civil society can dismantle these hate speeches because
dismantle these hate speeches because civil society has always played a very
civil society has always played a very relevant role in the B country to de to
relevant role in the B country to de to delegitimize in people's minds the fact
delegitimize in people's minds the fact that violence can be used to achieve
that violence can be used to achieve objectives. I'm not going to say much
objectives. I'm not going to say much more because I'm afraid that we are
more because I'm afraid that we are running out of time here. But I do want
running out of time here. But I do want to point out that we have to work as
to point out that we have to work as civil society has to organize itself and
civil society has to organize itself and it has to cooperate with institutions
it has to cooperate with institutions and has to work handinhand together with
and has to work handinhand together with the United Nations and there's
the United Nations and there's possibility in civil society of doing so
possibility in civil society of doing so because we at Nairobi at the last
because we at Nairobi at the last international conference and this is how
international conference and this is how it will be positive to produce these
it will be positive to produce these positive things positive things that are
positive things positive things that are happening in the world that that can
happening in the world that that can generate more hope in our young people
generate more hope in our young people and in ourselves too. Thank you very
much. Well, thank you very much uh Mrs. Marayon and many thanks to these
Marayon and many thanks to these speakers on this panel and thank you
speakers on this panel and thank you very much for becoming instruments that
very much for becoming instruments that are now giving um voice to many people
are now giving um voice to many people that don't have a voice and thank you
that don't have a voice and thank you for doing so here too at this event that
for doing so here too at this event that has been organized by the United Nations
has been organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations that I think
Alliance of Civilizations that I think becomes much more relevant and much more
becomes much more relevant and much more important than ever before as an
important than ever before as an instrument to correct the political
instrument to correct the political commitment and diplomatic commitment of
commitment and diplomatic commitment of our people and the capacity to
our people and the capacity to negotiate. So, Mr. Mayor, and as you
negotiate. So, Mr. Mayor, and as you just pointed out before, nobody is more
just pointed out before, nobody is more important than anybody else because we
important than anybody else because we are all equal as regards rights and
are all equal as regards rights and obligations and we should all have the
obligations and we should all have the same opportunities too. And uh and uh
same opportunities too. And uh and uh and well, this is what Mr. Gapaso said
and well, this is what Mr. Gapaso said too and that is living peace or living
too and that is living peace or living in peace and living with love too. And
in peace and living with love too. And well, I would like to thank you all very
well, I would like to thank you all very much indeed too for having allowed us to
much indeed too for having allowed us to participate in this event today. And to
participate in this event today. And to close, I would now like to give the
close, I would now like to give the floor to the school of philosophy 15m
floor to the school of philosophy 15m from Granada. And I'm going to give the
from Granada. And I'm going to give the floor to Mrs. Maria Rascosa and Mr.
floor to Mrs. Maria Rascosa and Mr. Rafael Deedo. Thank you very much.
Hello. Good afternoon. Firstly, many thanks to
afternoon. Firstly, many thanks to Gnika. Many thanks for having us here
Gnika. Many thanks for having us here today. Many thanks to the mayor and to
today. Many thanks to the mayor and to the panelists. And many thanks to all of
the panelists. And many thanks to all of the people that are here today. And of
the people that are here today. And of all above all, many thanks to Mr.
all above all, many thanks to Mr. Moratinos for this invitation for
Moratinos for this invitation for allowing us to participate in this event
allowing us to participate in this event on peace and for giving civil society
on peace and for giving civil society the possibility of talking about such a
the possibility of talking about such a vital issue as peace. Without peace,
vital issue as peace. Without peace, there's no life. There's no such thing
there's no life. There's no such thing as life. And this is Rafaelo and my name
as life. And this is Rafaelo and my name is Maria Kasosaur from the school of
is Maria Kasosaur from the school of philosophy 15m in Granada. We are
philosophy 15m in Granada. We are actively involved in the 15m movement
actively involved in the 15m movement since its inception.
since its inception. And we are also involved in the 15s
And we are also involved in the 15s action surround parliament which took
action surround parliament which took place in
place in 2012 and this is an action that was
2012 and this is an action that was complain about the fact that parliament
complain about the fact that parliament was occupied by the factic powers and um
was occupied by the factic powers and um this received support of 77% of our
this received support of 77% of our citizens and my colleague Rafael Deero
citizens and my colleague Rafael Deero was one of the people that was charged
was one of the people that was charged together with another seven activists
together with another seven activists for attacking
for attacking state
institutions. So one of the ideas behind this uh
this uh meeting is an appeal to everybody to
meeting is an appeal to everybody to everybody is very interested in global
everybody is very interested in global changes because this is affecting all of
changes because this is affecting all of us tragically and significantly. We are
us tragically and significantly. We are affected by climate change, by wars, by
affected by climate change, by wars, by inequalities and by other terrible
inequalities and by other terrible things.
things. And in view of this unbearable situation
And in view of this unbearable situation that mankind is having to put up with,
that mankind is having to put up with, the good news is that an union is now
the good news is that an union is now being formed between the social
being formed between the social movements
movements and diplomacy at the highest possible
and diplomacy at the highest possible level uh through the United Nations
level uh through the United Nations basically because civil society as is
basically because civil society as is pointed out there as a catalyst for
pointed out there as a catalyst for sustainable peace and as the panhispanic
sustainable peace and as the panhispanic dictionary says the institution ution of
dictionary says the institution ution of diplomacy has demonstrated that it's an
diplomacy has demonstrated that it's an essential instrument for efficacious
essential instrument for efficacious cooperation in the international
cooperation in the international community that allows the states and in
community that allows the states and in spite of the differences in their
spite of the differences in their constitutional and social systems
constitutional and social systems achieve a mutual understanding and also
achieve a mutual understanding and also solve their controversies through
solve their controversies through peaceful
peaceful means like Antonio Guteras or Fedrico
means like Antonio Guteras or Fedrico Mayor Taraga or Miguel Moratinos and so
Mayor Taraga or Miguel Moratinos and so many others have demonstrated they've
many others have demonstrated they've firmly ly committed towards equality and
firmly ly committed towards equality and peace and let's just remember how the
peace and let's just remember how the minister Fernando Enrron Fernando Baran
minister Fernando Enrron Fernando Baran sorry opposed the the incorporation of
sorry opposed the the incorporation of Spain to NATO and this um communion
Spain to NATO and this um communion between high diplomacy and the popular
between high diplomacy and the popular base is uh focused on what Fedrico Mayor
base is uh focused on what Fedrico Mayor Orea did the director of the university
Orea did the director of the university and another he was also the minister of
and another he was also the minister of education and the director general of
education and the director general of UNESCO He held a number of meetings with
UNESCO He held a number of meetings with Miguel Karascosa and teacher from public
Miguel Karascosa and teacher from public schools as we saw in the tribute that
schools as we saw in the tribute that was paid by Fedrico to Miguel which was
was paid by Fedrico to Miguel which was an exercise of gratitude. And this mun
an exercise of gratitude. And this mun could also be seen in the homage that
could also be seen in the homage that was paid to Fedrico Mayor at the deares
was paid to Fedrico Mayor at the deares in Madrid that took place last month on
in Madrid that took place last month on March the 18th where the attendees very
March the 18th where the attendees very high ranking officials from the United
high ranking officials from the United Nations and from
Nations and from universities decided that mobilization
universities decided that mobilization had to take place at an international
had to take place at an international level. That is the alliance of
level. That is the alliance of civilizations of the UN is one of the
civilizations of the UN is one of the major achievements of international
major achievements of international diplomacy as a response to fight against
diplomacy as a response to fight against the imperialist policies and diplomacy
the imperialist policies and diplomacy without social movements is absolutely
without social movements is absolutely powerless and social um movements
powerless and social um movements without diplomacy have become marginal
without diplomacy have become marginal elements too. So what is the doctrine
elements too. So what is the doctrine behind this union? involve the
behind this union? involve the fundamental texts that have to do with
fundamental texts that have to do with international legitimacy and the
international legitimacy and the universal declaration of human rights
universal declaration of human rights and the alliance of civilizations of the
and the alliance of civilizations of the United
Nations is building bridges between societies. It also promoting dialogue
societies. It also promoting dialogue and a greater level of understanding and
and a greater level of understanding and wants to improve our political
wants to improve our political willingness.
willingness. So what are our references? Well,
So what are our references? Well, equality and peace always. And now I'm
equality and peace always. And now I'm going to give the microphone to my
going to give the microphone to my colleague.
we the parliament of the religions is the the the name the name they use in
the the the name the name they use in Malaga but we call this um religions and
Malaga but we call this um religions and spirituality in in favor of coexistence
spirituality in in favor of coexistence and we the school of philosophy we are
and we the school of philosophy we are there as theists and not as a
there as theists and not as a confessional religion but rather as
confessional religion but rather as aists but I what I mean to say by
aists but I what I mean to say by This is that the the the idea of
This is that the the the idea of um
um is has to be everywhere and that is in
is has to be everywhere and that is in the alliance of civilization and in the
the alliance of civilization and in the renewing for
renewing for peace religions for peace and it has
peace religions for peace and it has been said that 85% of the world's
been said that 85% of the world's population is religion religious and
population is religion religious and there's an idea that dates back many is
there's an idea that dates back many is that says that all the evils of the
that says that all the evils of the world as has been pointed out here um
world as has been pointed out here um rise from religions from their
rise from religions from their fanaticism and from their beliefs in
fanaticism and from their beliefs in absolutely absurd
fantasies things that have nothing to do with nature with mankind etc. But we
with nature with mankind etc. But we what I believe is that we are involved
what I believe is that we are involved in is in a very significant cultural
in is in a very significant cultural struggle and we have to defend religions
struggle and we have to defend religions and we have to um defend the history of
and we have to um defend the history of religions and truth too. We also have
religions and truth too. We also have the obligation of being critical with
the obligation of being critical with ourselves or criticize religions because
ourselves or criticize religions because obviously this negative approach is
obviously this negative approach is based on well monstrous wars, terrible
based on well monstrous wars, terrible wars between different religions at
wars between different religions at certain periods in time in our history
certain periods in time in our history and which can even persist nowadays. So
and which can even persist nowadays. So therefore but above all but above all
therefore but above all but above all and
and as was mentioned here by one of the
as was mentioned here by one of the speakers we have to also look about the
speakers we have to also look about the present and the future. So Mr. Espinosa
present and the future. So Mr. Espinosa said that we have to talk about the
said that we have to talk about the negative things in a limited manner but
negative things in a limited manner but extensively about people's virtues. We
extensively about people's virtues. We have to talk about the past. We have to
have to talk about the past. We have to talk about the negative things so that
talk about the negative things so that we can learn so that things are not
we can learn so that things are not repeated again. But above all what we
repeated again. But above all what we have to do is we have to um say or refer
have to do is we have to um say or refer to the positive things that have been
to the positive things that have been done and always always uh focus on
done and always always uh focus on whatever is positive because optimism
whatever is positive because optimism anthropological optimism is also
anthropological optimism is also something that has been pointed out
something that has been pointed out here. The biggest treasure of mankind
here. The biggest treasure of mankind has to do with its legacy. And this
has to do with its legacy. And this legacy is something that we have to
legacy is something that we have to criticize. And we have to purify it as
criticize. And we have to purify it as best as we possibly can to eliminate its
best as we possibly can to eliminate its errors and uh eliminate any setbacks or
errors and uh eliminate any setbacks or negative things or misadjustments in
negative things or misadjustments in relation to human dignity.
Please, I'm going to finish with this. And uh what we believe is that with
And uh what we believe is that with religion, what happens is the same as
religion, what happens is the same as what happens with
what happens with diplomacy. When and taken separately,
diplomacy. When and taken separately, they're terrible, but when taken
they're terrible, but when taken together, they're wonderful. And
together, they're wonderful. And finally, the proposal comes from Fedrico
finally, the proposal comes from Fedrico Mayor
Mayor Saragoa.
Saragoa. Sorry. And he's saying, well, yes, he
Sorry. And he's saying, well, yes, he sent us an email. Fedrico mayor said yes
sent us an email. Fedrico mayor said yes the time has come for the citizens
the time has come for the citizens assembly to become involved and the
assembly to become involved and the United
United [Music]
[Music] Nations is um blocked by the security
Nations is um blocked by the security council. So we need to have that world
council. So we need to have that world citizens assembly and uh to point it out
citizens assembly and uh to point it out very briefly it would be the following.
very briefly it would be the following. So at the United Nations, whether it be
So at the United Nations, whether it be the Secretary General or the Alliance of
Civilizations, we call on the World Citizens Assembly to ratify approvals to
Citizens Assembly to ratify approvals to apply to apply the
apply to apply the um conclusions drawn by international
um conclusions drawn by international experts. So that's the basic idea here.
experts. So that's the basic idea here. So in other words that we have our
So in other words that we have our citizens to become involved at an
citizens to become involved at an international level so that they can
international level so that they can ratify this consensus proposal so that
ratify this consensus proposal so that the teams could be as pluristic as
the teams could be as pluristic as possible where different ideas are
possible where different ideas are expressed so that this can be ratified
expressed so that this can be ratified by the assembly. Thank you very much.
Welcome back to the uh to this uh panel discussion. I think you had a um a short
discussion. I think you had a um a short break. We are going to be shortly uh
break. We are going to be shortly uh listening to her excellency Miss Anna uh
listening to her excellency Miss Anna uh Redondo Garcia, Minister of Equality of
Redondo Garcia, Minister of Equality of Spain. After which we are going to be
Spain. After which we are going to be proceeding with the third round table
proceeding with the third round table for today. Women at the forefront the
for today. Women at the forefront the missing peace in advancing peace through
missing peace in advancing peace through um inclusion. Um and um Miss
um inclusion. Um and um Miss um
um Anarendo Garcia is ready I believe to
Anarendo Garcia is ready I believe to uh to deliver her um keynote speech.
Please join me in applauding the minister.
Thank you. It's a
you. It's a pleasure to be part of this meeting
pleasure to be part of this meeting organized by the United Nations and by
organized by the United Nations and by the United Nations Alliance for
the United Nations Alliance for Civilizations.
Civilizations. Thank you uh to Miguel
Thank you uh to Miguel Moratinos and thank you all for deciding
Moratinos and thank you all for deciding to be spend your time here this morning
to be spend your time here this morning because I believe we are in the right
because I believe we are in the right place and moment and that is really
place and moment and that is really important. This is a uh region that
important. This is a uh region that suffered 88 years ago one of the u
suffered 88 years ago one of the u biggest bomb attack in history. the
biggest bomb attack in history. the first attack on civil
first attack on civil society that is now part of our memory
society that is now part of our memory history and something that Pablo Picasso
history and something that Pablo Picasso represented in his wonderful uh painting
represented in his wonderful uh painting the
the Gika and we are going through uh complex
Gika and we are going through uh complex times but here we uh can be open to hope
times but here we uh can be open to hope because 88 years after that
because 88 years after that tragedy we find ourselves elves in GIA
tragedy we find ourselves elves in GIA um listening to each other, coexisting
um listening to each other, coexisting in a uh environment that is in peace
in a uh environment that is in peace with nature, with other towns and with
with nature, with other towns and with each other. That is the hope and
each other. That is the hope and symbolism of this town. And this is the
symbolism of this town. And this is the path that in this complex times that has
path that in this complex times that has been repeated by many of the uh
been repeated by many of the uh panelists in this times of change hope
panelists in this times of change hope is what allows us to move forward. Hope
is what allows us to move forward. Hope also in practice and through action
also in practice and through action through um action as I said before here
through um action as I said before here and now. And here and now we are in the
and now. And here and now we are in the symbol of resistance but also the
symbol of resistance but also the triumph of peace over war, coexistence
triumph of peace over war, coexistence over hate and uh the possibility of
over hate and uh the possibility of having an other world that we need to
having an other world that we need to build in alliance.
It is also true that uh the United Nations were created as a response to
Nations were created as a response to horror and war in the year 45 after two
horror and war in the year 45 after two world wars that had a filled of hate and
world wars that had a filled of hate and fear almost the whole world. A first
fear almost the whole world. A first world war that ended with 25 million
world war that ended with 25 million victims and a second world war very few
victims and a second world war very few years after with more than 50 million uh
years after with more than 50 million uh deaths and with an holocaust with so
deaths and with an holocaust with so much violence and with so much haste we
much violence and with so much haste we have the rise of hope through the United
have the rise of hope through the United Nations and this great alliance
Nations and this great alliance the great alliance of the different
the great alliance of the different nations of the world coming together to
nations of the world coming together to imagine a new way, a different way of
imagine a new way, a different way of solving conflict and not only the
solving conflict and not only the domination of a powerful uh and not only
domination of a powerful uh and not only those that have more weapons being able
those that have more weapons being able to be uh in a dominating position.
to be uh in a dominating position. This dream built uh between different
This dream built uh between different countries and nationalities,
countries and nationalities, organizations, organizations of civil
organizations, organizations of civil society, young people and not so young
society, young people and not so young people at different
levels with this multilateral situation that is now uh
that is now uh questioned. We had the capacity of uh uh
questioned. We had the capacity of uh uh generating at the time a dream and this
generating at the time a dream and this dream cannot end here and there are
dream cannot end here and there are serious
risks because the issue is will we be able to
able to uh resist will this peace constructions
uh resist will this peace constructions be able to resist to this movement
be able to resist to this movement against peace and the progress of
against peace and the progress of violence. Will we be able to resist?
violence. Will we be able to resist? Will the UN be able to resist this
Will the UN be able to resist this alliance? Will we be able to
alliance? Will we be able to sufficiently reinforce it? Because maybe
sufficiently reinforce it? Because maybe this is one of the
this is one of the issues. What have we been able to
issues. What have we been able to achieve? Have we really reinforced what
achieve? Have we really reinforced what brought us together in this institutions
brought us together in this institutions of collaboration, dialogue and peace?
of collaboration, dialogue and peace? We've progressed in international law in
We've progressed in international law in such a way that all countries can trust
such a way that all countries can trust international law. Is it really
international law. Is it really effective and
effective and efficient or there's still so much uh to
efficient or there's still so much uh to be uh done yet? We also need to um be
be uh done yet? We also need to um be self-critic and be aware of course that
self-critic and be aware of course that we've been able to give a big steps
we've been able to give a big steps forwards but not in the agile manner
forwards but not in the agile manner that we should have to be able to
that we should have to be able to currently have a robust alternative to
currently have a robust alternative to hate violence and war. But in any case,
hate violence and war. But in any case, we are here which is something we should
we are here which is something we should be uh proud of. We should be proud of it
be uh proud of. We should be proud of it as a society and it's something that
as a society and it's something that gives us
hope when facing this wave of hate and violence. We should be able to
violence. We should be able to react like a tsunami of
react like a tsunami of regeneration which means doing things
regeneration which means doing things better in the best way possible being
better in the best way possible being more agile in our response. We have the
more agile in our response. We have the tools, we have the knowhow, we have the
tools, we have the knowhow, we have the experience and we need to
experience and we need to um implement it in an agile and
um implement it in an agile and immediate manner.
immediate manner. So as I was saying we are in the
So as I was saying we are in the um right uh time and uh
um right uh time and uh place because uh none of us even we in
place because uh none of us even we in the position in government don't decide
the position in government don't decide what the geopolitical context
what the geopolitical context surrounding us is going to be. It's a
surrounding us is going to be. It's a given but we do decide how we respond to
given but we do decide how we respond to those challenges. how we are able
those challenges. how we are able to respond in a way that we are building
to respond in a way that we are building on the present and the
on the present and the future making things better for most of
future making things better for most of our citizens. That is our what we need
our citizens. That is our what we need to do to respond to do things
to do to respond to do things differently to uh um respond to violence
differently to uh um respond to violence and hate by reinforcing the values and
and hate by reinforcing the values and principles that uh bring us together.
principles that uh bring us together. Being fully convinced that peace is the
Being fully convinced that peace is the only path. The pa peace with our
only path. The pa peace with our surroundings. Peace in the planet. a
surroundings. Peace in the planet. a planet that has been exploited for so
planet that has been exploited for so many years. Also peace with other uh
many years. Also peace with other uh people, with other countries, but also
people, with other countries, but also peace amongst the
citizens. Maybe now dialogue is more difficult, but dialogue is the path to
difficult, but dialogue is the path to peace. Only when we listen and we
peace. Only when we listen and we understand and we want to understand the
understand and we want to understand the different voices, we are able to have a
different voices, we are able to have a context and a global perspective, a
context and a global perspective, a general overview, understanding and
general overview, understanding and being empathetic with the other,
being empathetic with the other, understanding what their problem and
understanding what their problem and their problems and needs are. And this
their problems and needs are. And this dialogue that uh happened in the year
dialogue that uh happened in the year 45, 50, 60 face difficulties but is
45, 50, 60 face difficulties but is maybe a bit more simple currently with
maybe a bit more simple currently with [Music]
[Music] um all the media that makes things uh
um all the media that makes things uh more polarized.
more polarized. um social
um social um networks uh isolate us isolate us uh
um networks uh isolate us isolate us uh with what we want to uh listen uh to. So
with what we want to uh listen uh to. So there is a connection with the
there is a connection with the prejudices
prejudices and preconceptions of the world which uh
and preconceptions of the world which uh makes us uh be further from
makes us uh be further from understanding others and
understanding others and uh
uh understanding other ways of seeing
understanding other ways of seeing things living and being.
So this is the big difficulty we face nowadays in this geopolitical situation
nowadays in this geopolitical situation that is so complex. That's why we need
that is so complex. That's why we need to uh break uh with this self reference
to uh break uh with this self reference of uh what we perceive and we need to uh
of uh what we perceive and we need to uh open uh paths for dialogue, alliance and
open uh paths for dialogue, alliance and understanding of diversity because
understanding of diversity because diversity is human. We are all diverse.
diversity is human. We are all diverse. Therefore, respect to diversity and
Therefore, respect to diversity and others is fundamental. So as I was
others is fundamental. So as I was saying what's important is the way in
saying what's important is the way in which we face this complexities this
which we face this complexities this problems this extremely complex world
problems this extremely complex world that we've created uh
together I believe there's one only way of responding if we want to create peace
of responding if we want to create peace and
and it's a response uh that comes out from
it's a response uh that comes out from the uh inside response of uh countries,
the uh inside response of uh countries, regions,
regions, municipalities and even uh neighbors
municipalities and even uh neighbors associations and other organizations and
associations and other organizations and also there is the international
also there is the international response. So we can uh have an immediate
response. So we can uh have an immediate response where we need to build on
response where we need to build on democracy. We've talked
democracy. We've talked about working on citizenship and uh we
about working on citizenship and uh we also need to focus on democracy and we
also need to focus on democracy and we need to focus on this daily here and now
need to focus on this daily here and now as the uh represent one of the panelists
as the uh represent one of the panelists um mentioned this morning
um mentioned this morning and we build uh citizenship and
and we build uh citizenship and democracy. What does this mean? It means
democracy. What does this mean? It means working on equality, equal rights, equal
working on equality, equal rights, equal duties, equal
duties, equal freedoms. Equality is fundamental.
freedoms. Equality is fundamental. Democracies are built on uh the rule of
Democracies are built on uh the rule of law, which means we're all equal before
law, which means we're all equal before the law. This is the first
the law. This is the first revolution, but this is not enough. Rule
revolution, but this is not enough. Rule of law is not enough. And democracy goes
of law is not enough. And democracy goes beyond we are democratic states which
beyond we are democratic states which implies a equal
implies a equal participation vote and
participation vote and representation and the first inequality
representation and the first inequality and that's why I'm here it's the
and that's why I'm here it's the inequality between women and men that
inequality between women and men that imposition of the
imposition of the patriarchy and how as women as a 51% of
patriarchy and how as women as a 51% of society we are not always equal So
society we are not always equal So building democracy is building equality
building democracy is building equality so that women are present in all levels
so that women are present in all levels at the same way as men having the same
at the same way as men having the same opportunities
opportunities because of course we need to have the
because of course we need to have the power in our hands to be able to change
power in our hands to be able to change things. We need to transform and we need
things. We need to transform and we need to be uh present at all levels to be
to be uh present at all levels to be able to um contribute to this
able to um contribute to this transformation. And
transformation. And finally the uh social uh state that
finally the uh social uh state that means that this equality before the
means that this equality before the law is seen clearly in our daily lives.
law is seen clearly in our daily lives. We have the same access to services,
We have the same access to services, education and different resources,
education and different resources, access at the end of the day to whatever
access at the end of the day to whatever you want to uh your life to
you want to uh your life to become.
become. So we work with more democracy and
So we work with more democracy and equality and thus we will be able to
equality and thus we will be able to build a peace at all levels between us
build a peace at all levels between us between uh different uh people and
between uh different uh people and between nations and states. And finally,
between nations and states. And finally, international peace. The response at an
international peace. The response at an international level
international level that has its origin in equality, the
that has its origin in equality, the equality between the people and in the
equality between the people and in the acknowledgment of the different states
acknowledgment of the different states and of the
and of the other. It is true that we coexist with
other. It is true that we coexist with violence and war. Some of them are
violence and war. Some of them are terrible and very recent like the one in
terrible and very recent like the one in Gaza or the one in Ukraine that doesn't
Gaza or the one in Ukraine that doesn't seem to have a clear international
seem to have a clear international response to be able to um get peace or
response to be able to um get peace or the situation in Afghanistan where women
the situation in Afghanistan where women have no freedoms nor rights there.
have no freedoms nor rights there. Fourth category, citizens or in Sudan or
Fourth category, citizens or in Sudan or in
in um Africa where there's countries where
um Africa where there's countries where violence and war continue to be present
violence and war continue to be present as international community. We also need
as international community. We also need to respond to all this terrible
to respond to all this terrible situations
situations generating so much horror,
generating so much horror, tragedy,
tragedy, disagreement and
disagreement and um deep pain. And we need to do this in
um deep pain. And we need to do this in the only way that we know is possible.
the only way that we know is possible. And that is with the understanding
And that is with the understanding between different states and countries
between different states and countries always respecting sovereignty uh
always respecting sovereignty uh international law and generating
international law and generating alliances. The uh alliance of
alliances. The uh alliance of civilizations was an open window to
civilizations was an open window to hope. this breath of fresh air that
hope. this breath of fresh air that filled us of the happiness of continuing
filled us of the happiness of continuing to build bridges together and this
to build bridges together and this alliance of civilizations that today we
alliance of civilizations that today we demand is connected with our realities
demand is connected with our realities at all levels. So from the Spanish
at all levels. So from the Spanish government, I would also like to uh say
government, I would also like to uh say that uh we are part of this alliance
that uh we are part of this alliance um as part of the feminist alliance
um as part of the feminist alliance because we are talking about equality
because we are talking about equality that at the end of the day is exactly
that at the end of the day is exactly the same thing. We work on an alliance
the same thing. We work on an alliance for equality and peace. At the end of
for equality and peace. At the end of the day, the alliance that will allow
the day, the alliance that will allow and will be the origin to uh creating a
and will be the origin to uh creating a multilateral and multi-level society and
multilateral and multi-level society and how do we build a feminist alliance and
how do we build a feminist alliance and how do we incorporate it in the alliance
how do we incorporate it in the alliance of
of civilizations in the UN. Recently we had
civilizations in the UN. Recently we had the opportunity of uh uh presenting this
the opportunity of uh uh presenting this proposal that was uh very well received
proposal that was uh very well received because I believe there is a clear will
because I believe there is a clear will of building uh for the future and
of building uh for the future and working in peace for a common project
working in peace for a common project and I believe and I will be uh finishing
and I believe and I will be uh finishing with this that I think we have to work
with this that I think we have to work on three aspect or three elements taking
on three aspect or three elements taking into account the
into account the complex and violent
complex and violent situation we are going through uh
situation we are going through uh nowadays. First of all, we need to find
nowadays. First of all, we need to find allies. Those countries that really want
allies. Those countries that really want to uh work together and I believe there
to uh work together and I believe there are many many countries working uh on
are many many countries working uh on creating alliances to work uh together.
creating alliances to work uh together. countries that have uh
countries that have uh um
um progresses, governments that have uh uh
progresses, governments that have uh uh advanced where equality is one of the
advanced where equality is one of the main elements for their policies. So we
main elements for their policies. So we need to work at a multilateral level in
need to work at a multilateral level in international uh uh bodies fundamentally
international uh uh bodies fundamentally in the UN but not only we also need to
in the UN but not only we also need to be able secondly to work at different
be able secondly to work at different levels. What does this mean? It means
levels. What does this mean? It means working with other administrations at a
working with other administrations at a regional level with autonomous
regional level with autonomous communities here with the Basque country
communities here with the Basque country that uh has taken the lead in many
that uh has taken the lead in many aspects and policies to uh take and
aspects and policies to uh take and learn from those things that are being
learn from those things that are being done well by others and understanding
done well by others and understanding that this alliance is very important.
that this alliance is very important. Municipality Alliance 2 as Carlos from
Municipality Alliance 2 as Carlos from Saudia said because they are the
Saudia said because they are the administration level that is most aware
administration level that is most aware of what the problems for the citizens
of what the problems for the citizens are and are able to solve them.
are and are able to solve them. Therefore, we need to
Therefore, we need to structure multilevel solutions. We need
structure multilevel solutions. We need to get to know each other and create a
to get to know each other and create a dialogue like in this space today. We
dialogue like in this space today. We need to multiply these kind of spaces to
need to multiply these kind of spaces to be able to um get together at different
be able to um get together at different levels and of course with civil society
levels and of course with civil society and with
and with citizens organized um uh uh citizens as
citizens organized um uh uh citizens as we've seen today uh that uh move the
we've seen today uh that uh move the world and the will of uh countries and
world and the will of uh countries and governments. Therefore, we need to
governments. Therefore, we need to listen to them. We need to learn from
listen to them. We need to learn from them. We need to continue talking with
them. We need to continue talking with civil society and uh uh work at
civil society and uh uh work at different levels. And
different levels. And thirdly, we need to include these issues
thirdly, we need to include these issues in the political agenda. We need to uh
in the political agenda. We need to uh focus on these issues because the
focus on these issues because the political agenda and I can say this
political agenda and I can say this after being in the government of Spain
after being in the government of Spain for a year and a half. The political
for a year and a half. The political agenda sometimes is changed because of
agenda sometimes is changed because of the need to provide a response to those
the need to provide a response to those issues that arise each and every day
issues that arise each and every day that make things more complex. Sometimes
that make things more complex. Sometimes we leave the significant things on the
we leave the significant things on the side to solve the immediate and urgent
side to solve the immediate and urgent problems because we need to um make
problems because we need to um make these things that are important and
these things that are important and significant what's really uh urgent and
significant what's really uh urgent and what we need to uh be part of with the
what we need to uh be part of with the political agenda. The political agenda
political agenda. The political agenda needs to be a peace agenda. An agenda
needs to be a peace agenda. An agenda that um builds on equality, provides
that um builds on equality, provides equal opportunities, equality between
equal opportunities, equality between women and men and equality to face uh
women and men and equality to face uh disabilities, differences, poverty,
disabilities, differences, poverty, diversity and this uh uh world that is
diversity and this uh uh world that is uh continually continuously changing. So
uh continually continuously changing. So I believe in the here and now. I believe
I believe in the here and now. I believe that we should be responsible taking
that we should be responsible taking into account current times. We haven't
into account current times. We haven't chosen this uh situation but we are
chosen this uh situation but we are responsible uh for what is happening and
responsible uh for what is happening and therefore we need to work on this daily
therefore we need to work on this daily to provide a response. The government of
to provide a response. The government of Spain is fully committed with this
Spain is fully committed with this agenda that is an international agenda
agenda that is an international agenda of course in multilateral uh bodies, the
of course in multilateral uh bodies, the UN, but an agenda that goes beyond
UN, but an agenda that goes beyond beyond an agenda that connects with each
beyond an agenda that connects with each and every citizen with all
and every citizen with all administration levels and with civil
administration levels and with civil society. And uh when we will continue
society. And uh when we will continue working, we will um continue
working, we will um continue incorporating resources which is also
incorporating resources which is also very important.
very important. Resources are necessary. Without
Resources are necessary. Without resources, we'll never make any
resources, we'll never make any progress. And we also have to be
progress. And we also have to be committed to increasing our cooperation
committed to increasing our cooperation resources and also increasing our
resources and also increasing our resources so that we can strengthen
resources so that we can strengthen these alliances. UN women needs
these alliances. UN women needs resources. the alliance of civilization
resources. the alliance of civilization also and uh we need this as bodies as
also and uh we need this as bodies as administrations or as states too. We
administrations or as states too. We also have to recognize this priority and
also have to recognize this priority and we must implement these resources so
we must implement these resources so that we can set into motion all of these
that we can set into motion all of these mechanisms which will be those that will
mechanisms which will be those that will serve to build a much better world a
serve to build a much better world a world at peace. And I would like to
world at peace. And I would like to conclude with uh what I'm what one of
conclude with uh what I'm what one of the participants mentioned previously
the participants mentioned previously and that is that we cannot uh leave
and that is that we cannot uh leave lagging behind the younger people and
lagging behind the younger people and education is fundamental. We need this
education is fundamental. We need this piece dynamic to be included in schools
piece dynamic to be included in schools because building the future is all about
because building the future is all about starting to work in the present
starting to work in the present education and sometimes the element that
education and sometimes the element that are not incorporated that are not
are not incorporated that are not incorporated as thoroughly or as
incorporated as thoroughly or as intensely as we should with the
intensely as we should with the educational systems. We need to educate
educational systems. We need to educate for peace. We need the generations that
for peace. We need the generations that now are somewhat um perplexed and uh
now are somewhat um perplexed and uh that look at the world through the
that look at the world through the social media. They must bear in mind
social media. They must bear in mind that it's a world in which we don't
that it's a world in which we don't build a peace on a daily basis is a
build a peace on a daily basis is a world that could become very dangerous
world that could become very dangerous and it's a world that is not going to
and it's a world that is not going to meet the basic of human rights which is
meet the basic of human rights which is the right to feel hopeful. So with all
the right to feel hopeful. So with all of these things that I wanted to put
of these things that I wanted to put across to you today that I wanted to
across to you today that I wanted to share with you, what we're going to do
share with you, what we're going to do is now carry on learning and listen to
is now carry on learning and listen to what other people have to say. Many
what other people have to say. Many thanks Mig because you are allowing us
thanks Mig because you are allowing us to learn. You're allowing us to listen
to learn. You're allowing us to listen to each other and you're allowing us to
to each other and you're allowing us to extend our vision of the world too.
extend our vision of the world too. Thank you very much.
[Music] Hello, good afternoon. I would like to
Hello, good afternoon. I would like to kick off by thanking you as other people
kick off by thanking you as other people have already done. I would like to thank
have already done. I would like to thank you for organizing this uh very
you for organizing this uh very important event. Many thanks to the
important event. Many thanks to the Alliance of Civilizations and many
Alliance of Civilizations and many thanks to the Gerika Town Council and
thanks to the Gerika Town Council and Religions for Peace too. And this is one
Religions for Peace too. And this is one of the previous participants said that
of the previous participants said that this is like an island of hope and that
this is like an island of hope and that is what I've perceived too. And I think
is what I've perceived too. And I think that I'm speaking on behalf of the
that I'm speaking on behalf of the organization I represent because we are
organization I represent because we are living in very somber times because the
living in very somber times because the minister has spoken about these
minister has spoken about these challenges and these threats we're
challenges and these threats we're dealing with. And I think that many of
dealing with. And I think that many of you and I think that it's already been
you and I think that it's already been mentioned previously. I think that all
mentioned previously. I think that all of you know about this clock of the end
of you know about this clock of the end of the world that was established in the
of the world that was established in the 1947 to evaluate and to draw people's
1947 to evaluate and to draw people's attention to the nuclear threat during
attention to the nuclear threat during the cold war. And this
the cold war. And this clock that a number of experts and
clock that a number of experts and scientists as well as individuals from
scientists as well as individuals from civil society and um people working for
civil society and um people working for international organizations what they do
international organizations what they do is evaluate this on an annual basis in
is evaluate this on an annual basis in the light of uh current um events and
the light of uh current um events and what they are talking about is being
what they are talking about is being closer or further away from this
closer or further away from this midnight that represents the end of the
midnight that represents the end of the world. And as you many of you people
world. And as you many of you people know, it was in January this year when
know, it was in January this year when this clock was getting a little bit
this clock was getting a little bit closer to that midnight. It was 1 second
closer to that midnight. It was 1 second closer, which meant that it was uh 89
closer, which meant that it was uh 89 seconds away from that midnight. So this
seconds away from that midnight. So this does not only draw our attention because
does not only draw our attention because of how serious the situation is, but
of how serious the situation is, but also applies pressure on us because
also applies pressure on us because there's an urgency. So we don't have
there's an urgency. So we don't have much time to solve these problems that
much time to solve these problems that we are currently addressing. Although
we are currently addressing. Although fortunately we do know that there are
fortunately we do know that there are certain things that make our strategies
certain things that make our strategies work and one of them has to do with the
work and one of them has to do with the participation of women in peace
participation of women in peace processes. Please allow me to give you
processes. Please allow me to give you some data very quickly before moving on
some data very quickly before moving on to this uh panel of extraordinary
to this uh panel of extraordinary experts. It's a tremendous luxury to
experts. It's a tremendous luxury to have these people here with us today so
have these people here with us today so that we can also discuss this because
that we can also discuss this because they all want to hold a conversation and
they all want to hold a conversation and I think that it's going to be very
I think that it's going to be very interesting and the international peace
interesting and the international peace institute in one of its studies
institute in one of its studies underscored that the participation of
underscored that the participation of women increases the probability of uh
women increases the probability of uh having a longlasting peace accord at
having a longlasting peace accord at least for two years that increases this
least for two years that increases this by 20%. So if women are involved, we can
by 20%. So if women are involved, we can guarantee that this peace uh agreement
guarantee that this peace uh agreement will prevail over time. But this peace
will prevail over time. But this peace agreement 15 years down the road
agreement 15 years down the road increases another 35% that is it's being
increases another 35% that is it's being inforced if women are involved. So there
inforced if women are involved. So there are more than 100
are more than 100 studies that show similar data. But we
studies that show similar data. But we don't only have these comments from
don't only have these comments from civil society from the world of academia
civil society from the world of academia but the um United Nations adopted a
but the um United Nations adopted a resolution on peace, women and security
resolution on peace, women and security or safety where they spoke about the
or safety where they spoke about the relevant role that is played by women in
relevant role that is played by women in terms of prevention and conflict
terms of prevention and conflict resolution and they spoke about the
resolution and they spoke about the importance of having women in peace
importance of having women in peace negotiations to consolidate peace and to
negotiations to consolidate peace and to maintain peace.
maintain peace. Okay, so 25 years later, UN Women
Okay, so 25 years later, UN Women presents data for 2023 and it seems that
presents data for 2023 and it seems that it's only 9.6% of the negotiators are
it's only 9.6% of the negotiators are women and
women and 13.7% of the mediators are women or
13.7% of the mediators are women or 26.6% of those uh people that sign the
26.6% of those uh people that sign the peace agreements are women. Okay. Well,
peace agreements are women. Okay. Well, the secretary general of the United
the secretary general of the United Nations
Nations um is has asked us this very year to
um is has asked us this very year to guarantee the full and equalitarian and
guarantee the full and equalitarian and significant participation of women in
significant participation of women in the consolidation of peace. But I would
the consolidation of peace. But I would like to introduce our panelists because
like to introduce our panelists because they are all going to be talking about
they are all going to be talking about why it is so important for us women to
why it is so important for us women to be involved in these processes.
be involved in these processes. And please allow me to introduce these
And please allow me to introduce these uh ladies. Firstly, we have Isabel
uh ladies. Firstly, we have Isabel Romero Aras who's the chairperson of the
Romero Aras who's the chairperson of the Lasuentes
Lasuentes Foundation. And then we have Anna Baro
Foundation. And then we have Anna Baro who's the director of Fundura Death and
who's the director of Fundura Death and also the chairperson of a path. We have
also the chairperson of a path. We have Maria Oanguran who's the director of
Maria Oanguran who's the director of Gernika Goratus. We have Eva Salana
Gernika Goratus. We have Eva Salana who's the executive director of Green
who's the executive director of Green Peace in Spain and Portugal and Marta
Peace in Spain and Portugal and Marta Iglius who's responsible for the
Iglius who's responsible for the Department of International Action in
Department of International Action in favor of peace right the MPDL. Well,
favor of peace right the MPDL. Well, this is the first question I have for
this is the first question I have for you people. Why is it essential to
you people. Why is it essential to include women in peace processes and uh
include women in peace processes and uh could you please name some of the
could you please name some of the elements that uh make these uh
elements that uh make these uh agreements be more efficacious or more
agreements be more efficacious or more durable?
durable? Please go
ahead. That microphone doesn't seem to be working very well.
Now it's on. Well, thank you very much for coming here to this uh meeting.
for coming here to this uh meeting. We know that international legality has
We know that international legality has been ignored and uh with lots of
been ignored and uh with lots of impunity in these disturbing times and
impunity in these disturbing times and uh it's important what Carmen Marayon
uh it's important what Carmen Marayon said before and that is that we are very
said before and that is that we are very grateful for holding this event at this
grateful for holding this event at this point in time at the Spanish Association
point in time at the Spanish Association for the investigation of peace which is
for the investigation of peace which is the network that covers the foundations
the network that covers the foundations and university institutions and NOS's in
and university institutions and NOS's in Spain.
Spain. It's great for us to join here to join
It's great for us to join here to join our efforts and we are at the disposal
our efforts and we are at the disposal of the alliance for whatever has to be
of the alliance for whatever has to be done and for this uh feminist alliance
done and for this uh feminist alliance that has just been presented by the
that has just been presented by the minister and many many thanks too for u
minister and many many thanks too for u her for the commitment of the Spanish
her for the commitment of the Spanish government that she has pointed out here
government that she has pointed out here with the to um construct peace and
with the to um construct peace and regards the issue that you were asking
regards the issue that you were asking about Maria and that is why is it
about Maria and that is why is it important for women to become involved
important for women to become involved in these peace processes and the
in these peace processes and the construction of peace. Here I would also
construction of peace. Here I would also well Gin Marayon mentioned this
well Gin Marayon mentioned this previously in her intervention and this
previously in her intervention and this he could be on this panel too because
he could be on this panel too because she's one of the references of pacifist
she's one of the references of pacifist feminism for all of us and women women
feminism for all of us and women women have felt appeal to and
have felt appeal to and they felt feel associated with peace and
they felt feel associated with peace and and sometimes not because we women are
and sometimes not because we women are peaceful by nature. No, it's not that.
peaceful by nature. No, it's not that. And we at the pacifist movement and at
And we at the pacifist movement and at the research center for peace we say
the research center for peace we say that this is a social construction and
that this is a social construction and it's also a culture that has been built
it's also a culture that has been built and we have focused on looking after
and we have focused on looking after life. So in other words, we care for
life. So in other words, we care for life and uh we've been kept away from
life and uh we've been kept away from the spheres of power and from the
the spheres of power and from the decision making spheres and so it's very
decision making spheres and so it's very complex but in any case in this regard
complex but in any case in this regard we women have always been very united
we women have always been very united and associated with the peace cause
and associated with the peace cause regardless of your social and political
regardless of your social and political origins. And we've all um complained
origins. And we've all um complained against uh wars and violence and we set
against uh wars and violence and we set up support networks uh collaboration
up support networks uh collaboration networks and we've also spoken aloud and
networks and we've also spoken aloud and we have demonstrated or marched on the
we have demonstrated or marched on the streets to show that there are other
streets to show that there are other ways of um operating individually and
ways of um operating individually and collectively through the peoples and
collectively through the peoples and also between nations. And here there's
also between nations. And here there's an example that I would about to mention
an example that I would about to mention that has to do with the International
that has to do with the International League of Women for Peace and Freedom.
League of Women for Peace and Freedom. And several of us form part of that
And several of us form part of that organization, Maria and Carmen and the
organization, Maria and Carmen and the first pacifist feminist organization of
first pacifist feminist organization of the world that that that was created in
the world that that that was created in 1915 with women from different
1915 with women from different countries, both belligerent and neutral
countries, both belligerent and neutral countries met up in the Hague to ask uh
countries met up in the Hague to ask uh to to the end of the madness of war, but
to to the end of the madness of war, but also to make proposals to make proposals
also to make proposals to make proposals to ask countries to uh implement actions
to ask countries to uh implement actions to build peace for there to be a
to build peace for there to be a permanent peace. And well, there were a
permanent peace. And well, there were a number of resolutions and proposals. And
number of resolutions and proposals. And apart from um complaining against the
apart from um complaining against the wars, that there also be um dialogue and
wars, that there also be um dialogue and mediation instruments for conflict
mediation instruments for conflict resolution and that a major conference
resolution and that a major conference be organized involving women. And they
be organized involving women. And they all have they've asked for them to be
all have they've asked for them to be present because uh
societies and especially in those societies that are affected by
societies that are affected by conflicts, women in their daily
conflicts, women in their daily practices
practices um here to favor mediation, dialogue and
um here to favor mediation, dialogue and conflict resolution because they are
conflict resolution because they are perfectly familiar with that reality.
perfectly familiar with that reality. And this is something that government
And this is something that government mentioned before. And this experience
mentioned before. And this experience that we women have acquired over the
that we women have acquired over the years is fundamental to build peace. And
years is fundamental to build peace. And being involved in women peace processes
being involved in women peace processes guarantees that these peace processes
guarantees that these peace processes that are implemented to put an end to
that are implemented to put an end to war and violence. Well, this
war and violence. Well, this participation of women
guarantee that destruction and violence that is produced against the civil
that is produced against the civil society be taken into account of those
society be taken into account of those processes because they have been
processes because they have been firsthand witnesses and they have
firsthand witnesses and they have suffered from that.
So, and what we don't do is uh take into account measures for these situations to
account measures for these situations to be addressed properly. These situations
be addressed properly. These situations of destruction and women
of destruction and women also um include an inclusive approach to
also um include an inclusive approach to security and they address several other
security and they address several other issues that have to do with social
issues that have to do with social affairs and economic affairs that are
affairs and economic affairs that are absolutely fundamental for the
absolutely fundamental for the population to um perhaps um I don't know
population to um perhaps um I don't know uh address the what causes conflicts and
uh address the what causes conflicts and to be able to prevent things. So in
to be able to prevent things. So in these situations of conflict, it is
these situations of conflict, it is fundamental
fundamental for to maintain peace and to reach those
for to maintain peace and to reach those agreements that have to be sustainable
agreements that have to be sustainable so that violence will not be repeated
so that violence will not be repeated and
and therefore carry out a reconstruction
therefore carry out a reconstruction reconstruction that is inclusive and
reconstruction that is inclusive and equalian and nonpatriarchal. And this is
equalian and nonpatriarchal. And this is the objective that we have to achieve.
the objective that we have to achieve. And this is why we need to have the
And this is why we need to have the participation of women as a fundamental
participation of women as a fundamental element. And we have the resolution
element. And we have the resolution 1325. The international community
1325. The international community recognizes this role for the first time
recognizes this role for the first time after a very significant movement from
after a very significant movement from uh the feminist associations. And this
uh the feminist associations. And this was recognized the role was recognized
was recognized the role was recognized for the first time to be played by women
for the first time to be played by women at the construction of peace. And what
at the construction of peace. And what was also recognized is that they are the
was also recognized is that they are the object of a very specific kind of gender
object of a very specific kind of gender violence which was recognized for the
violence which was recognized for the first time and it's an important thing
first time and it's an important thing that is the role that women play and uh
that is the role that women play and uh well it's resolution 1325 that whereby
well it's resolution 1325 that whereby governments have to become committed and
governments have to become committed and to support women
Well, I have to table something here because I think that this is something
because I think that this is something that we are all going to agree with. I
that we are all going to agree with. I believe that what we need is time and
believe that what we need is time and I'm not sure about you, but I think I
I'm not sure about you, but I think I can't stretch my life any further
can't stretch my life any further because we are the people that are in
because we are the people that are in charge of work, life, balance things
charge of work, life, balance things because that's what the patriarchy wants
because that's what the patriarchy wants us to do. But in the case I have no more
us to do. But in the case I have no more tasks or have no more room for any more
tasks or have no more room for any more tasks in my life and I'm talking about
tasks in my life and I'm talking about political decisions because when you
political decisions because when you talk about the issue of uh births that
talk about the issue of uh births that there are not enough children but on the
there are not enough children but on the one hand we women have to deal with a
one hand we women have to deal with a challenge because people are saying oh
challenge because people are saying oh look we are aging societies and so on
look we are aging societies and so on and so forth but in the other hand but
and so forth but in the other hand but wait a minute you also have to be
wait a minute you also have to be efficient you also have to solve
efficient you also have to solve conflicts and you have to be present on
conflicts and you have to be present on all fronts and you have to cover
all fronts and you have to cover absolutely everything. Well, here we
absolutely everything. Well, here we need policies that will allow us women
need policies that will allow us women to have enough time, enough time in our
to have enough time, enough time in our lives so that we can address those
lives so that we can address those things that each one of us wants to
things that each one of us wants to address. And secondly, so that we can
address. And secondly, so that we can address the social challenges that we
address the social challenges that we are going to have to face. So that we
are going to have to face. So that we can be able to articulate those things
can be able to articulate those things that we can see that have to do with our
that we can see that have to do with our immediate daily reality. so that we can
immediate daily reality. so that we can then transfer this to the social plate.
then transfer this to the social plate. And this is the first thing that I was
And this is the first thing that I was just giving some thought to.
just giving some thought to. And it's not just two or three months of
And it's not just two or three months of maternity leave or shared paternity and
maternity leave or shared paternity and maternity leave. No, we're talking about
maternity leave. No, we're talking about a social issue at least in our western
a social issue at least in our western society. And if we women don't have
society. And if we women don't have enough time to carry on doing this and
enough time to carry on doing this and nobody else is going to be able to get
nobody else is going to be able to get this done, it's going to be very
this done, it's going to be very difficult for us because we're going to
difficult for us because we're going to have to take away time from other things
have to take away time from other things so that we can address these challenges
so that we can address these challenges that people are posing and because if
that people are posing and because if the women if the voice of women is
the women if the voice of women is necessary, we need to have the
necessary, we need to have the possibility of it being necessary and
possibility of it being necessary and without renouncing anything of course
without renouncing anything of course because I think that this is the other
because I think that this is the other issue and then each woman can do
issue and then each woman can do whatever ever they want. But we should
whatever ever they want. But we should not renounce absolutely anything. And
not renounce absolutely anything. And this is the first thing that I wanted to
this is the first thing that I wanted to point out here today so that we can
point out here today so that we can later on start talking about violence,
later on start talking about violence, about conflict resolution and about many
about conflict resolution and about many other issues. So I'm going to stop here
other issues. So I'm going to stop here and if you want later on we can carry on
and if you want later on we can carry on with other
with other subjects. Sorry that microphone is not
subjects. Sorry that microphone is not working now. It's on now. But could you
working now. It's on now. But could you speak about some of the barriers that
uh that are impeding women from participating? Who wants to speak now?
participating? Who wants to speak now? Emma. Well, the first thing is thank you
Emma. Well, the first thing is thank you very much to the town of Gandika for
very much to the town of Gandika for having us here today. Many thanks to the
having us here today. Many thanks to the organizers too. Many many thanks for the
organizers too. Many many thanks for the invitation. The truth is that it's a
invitation. The truth is that it's a tremendous luxury to be here. I'm not an
tremendous luxury to be here. I'm not an expert in peace issues but I do have to
expert in peace issues but I do have to present another component that is very
present another component that is very important that was mentioned in the
important that was mentioned in the previous panels and when green peace was
previous panels and when green peace was born and it was born with the thanks to
born and it was born with the thanks to the power of people and it was born
the power of people and it was born through the anti-uclear anti-militarist
through the anti-uclear anti-militarist movements and pacifist movements and the
movements and pacifist movements and the ecological movements and feminist
ecological movements and feminist movements of the 70s our
founders thought yes we want peace and we want to have it green and this is
we want to have it green and this is where the name Green Peace comes from
where the name Green Peace comes from because I think that this is the
because I think that this is the essential component that we are
essential component that we are currently experiencing and uh
currently experiencing and uh well women women are greatly impacted by
well women women are greatly impacted by this. They are impacted by conflicts,
this. They are impacted by conflicts, but they're also impacted by a model
but they're also impacted by a model that is a capitalist and patriarchal
that is a capitalist and patriarchal colonialist. And I could carry on with a
colonialist. And I could carry on with a very extensive list of definitions and
very extensive list of definitions and names, but this
names, but this socioeconomic model that is
socioeconomic model that is present when you not only that, but
present when you not only that, but you're also a woman, a colored woman
you're also a woman, a colored woman in certain part of the world, the impact
in certain part of the world, the impact is even double or triple or quadruple.
is even double or triple or quadruple. And this is one of the most important
And this is one of the most important elements and one of the most limiting
elements and one of the most limiting factors for the inclusion of women in
factors for the inclusion of women in anything. And of
anything. And of course the nonsexual division of labor
course the nonsexual division of labor and uh time and then the fact that we
and uh time and then the fact that we are completely impacted by a very strong
are completely impacted by a very strong socioeconomic model that is going beyond
socioeconomic model that is going beyond all the planetary limits. In other
all the planetary limits. In other words, the only planet where we can live
words, the only planet where we can live as far as we know that is
as far as we know that is is completely
is completely impacted or seven out of the nine
impacted or seven out of the nine planetary limits have been uh exceeded
planetary limits have been uh exceeded and we are now posing a problem for
and we are now posing a problem for mankind. It's a big issue and as a women
mankind. It's a big issue and as a women war is a double problem so to
war is a double problem so to speak and for me this is one of the
speak and for me this is one of the important elements that has to be
important elements that has to be addressed and our colleague from Suda
addressed and our colleague from Suda before said that peace is not the
before said that peace is not the absence of war nor the absence of
absence of war nor the absence of conflicts and there lots of violences
conflicts and there lots of violences that are there to be seen and this is a
that are there to be seen and this is a second important component for me too
second important component for me too because what happens is that if we take
because what happens is that if we take a look at the data and uh that is of how
a look at the data and uh that is of how many women are involved in these peace
many women are involved in these peace processes. But we could also talk about
processes. But we could also talk about data that have to do with um impacts. So
data that have to do with um impacts. So one out of every 10 women lives in a
one out of every 10 women lives in a situation of extreme poverty. And we can
situation of extreme poverty. And we can see that 80% of migrants due to climate
see that 80% of migrants due to climate reasons are either girls or women. And
reasons are either girls or women. And we can also see that
we can also see that 236 million more women well before 2030
236 million more women well before 2030 are going to undergo situations of
are going to undergo situations of starvation. Well, basically because of
starvation. Well, basically because of climate issues or things that had to do
climate issues or things that had to do with planetary limitations. So these
with planetary limitations. So these figures are absolutely uh
overwhelming as regards uh how we can turn things around.
turn things around. And obviously including women is one of
And obviously including women is one of the key elements because of many
the key elements because of many reasons. It's one of the key issues
reasons. It's one of the key issues because for women peace doesn't arrive
because for women peace doesn't arrive automatically because they have to put
automatically because they have to put up with all these undignified forms of
up with all these undignified forms of life and I think that there's a
life and I think that there's a fundamental element that has to do with
fundamental element that has to do with justice. That is to start off with. But
justice. That is to start off with. But then this was also mentioned by my
then this was also mentioned by my colleagues before. I believe that
colleagues before. I believe that there's a completely different
there's a completely different perspective when women participate in
perspective when women participate in these processes and a feminist peace
these processes and a feminist peace policy is made up of other things which
policy is made up of other things which is another important element because
is another important element because there are processes that are more
there are processes that are more democratic and there are process in
democratic and there are process in which uh
which uh security and while you try to
security and while you try to demilitarize it we can talk about human
demilitarize it we can talk about human security and not about military security
security and not about military security and uh we we also have um I don't know
and uh we we also have um I don't know um policies that to place life in the
um policies that to place life in the very center and try to
very center and try to uh provide the funding. In other words,
uh provide the funding. In other words, where's the funding going to go? And
where's the funding going to go? And we'll talk about money later on if you
we'll talk about money later on if you want. But in the case, this is where
want. But in the case, this is where you're putting your stakes. Your where
you're putting your stakes. Your where you're putting your money is where
you're putting your money is where things are going to happen in a world in
things are going to happen in a world in which money is in the center. And I'll
which money is in the center. And I'll stop here. But anyway, that's what I
stop here. But anyway, that's what I wanted to point out at least
initially. Well, thanks a lot. Thanks a lot for organizing this event. and also
lot for organizing this event. and also thanks for having a specific space
thanks for having a specific space addressing the role played by women in
addressing the role played by women in peace and very briefly I would like to
peace and very briefly I would like to explain why it is important and you were
explain why it is important and you were asking us about these barriers Maria why
asking us about these barriers Maria why is this important well I think that it's
is this important well I think that it's important to remember four key elements
important to remember four key elements in any peace process when you work in a
in any peace process when you work in a peace process or in a negotiation
peace process or in a negotiation process it's very important first to
process it's very important first to know what to produce is this in other
know what to produce is this in other words it's not only a peace process
words it's not only a peace process process that is going to address the
process that is going to address the causes but it's a peace process that
causes but it's a peace process that does have some possibility of reaching
does have some possibility of reaching positive results. So let's look into the
positive results. So let's look into the causes. That's the second well the
causes. That's the second well the second element. Let's bear in mind the
second element. Let's bear in mind the demands and petitions that are on the
demands and petitions that are on the table during the negotiation and who do
table during the negotiation and who do they affect. The third element that we
they affect. The third element that we have to take into account in a
have to take into account in a negotiations process is also based on
negotiations process is also based on how we're going to repair the damage of
how we're going to repair the damage of whatever is happening or has happened in
whatever is happening or has happened in the past. And the fourth element is make
the past. And the fourth element is make as much use as you can of all the
as much use as you can of all the energies and possibilities we have of
energies and possibilities we have of achieving peace so that we can reach an
achieving peace so that we can reach an agreement. Well, in these four elements,
agreement. Well, in these four elements, if you've noticed, what's happening to
if you've noticed, what's happening to us because of this non-participation of
us because of this non-participation of Maria gave us the data because we do not
Maria gave us the data because we do not participate in the negotiation processes
participate in the negotiation processes is because we have to look into the
is because we have to look into the causes. Um, we're not taking into
causes. Um, we're not taking into account or not taking into account 51%
account or not taking into account 51% of the population. So, the diagnosis we
of the population. So, the diagnosis we have for the causes of a conflict, the
have for the causes of a conflict, the diagnosis is incorrect and the entire
diagnosis is incorrect and the entire process collapses because we're not
process collapses because we're not performing a good analysis of what's
performing a good analysis of what's going on. We forget about lots of causes
going on. We forget about lots of causes that make these uh accords fail. And of
that make these uh accords fail. And of course, we do not take into account the
course, we do not take into account the demands nor the petitions of that 51% of
demands nor the petitions of that 51% of the population. And uh usually this is
the population. And uh usually this is the most widely affected part of the
the most widely affected part of the population. But in addition to that, we
population. But in addition to that, we haven't taken into account how we are
haven't taken into account how we are going to be able to repair this damage
going to be able to repair this damage that women suffer because we are not
that women suffer because we are not present on the negotiations table and we
present on the negotiations table and we cannot deliver any proposals. And
cannot deliver any proposals. And finally, we are
finally, we are not making use of the potential that
not making use of the potential that women have to um consolidate a peace
women have to um consolidate a peace processes. And the minister said this
processes. And the minister said this before, equality is the key element in
before, equality is the key element in the peace process. Equality and women's
the peace process. Equality and women's participation is the key element because
participation is the key element because if we are not involved in those process
if we are not involved in those process it means that it's going to be very very
it means that it's going to be very very difficult for them to end up on a
difficult for them to end up on a positive note and it's going to be
positive note and it's going to be difficult for them to be sustainable.
difficult for them to be sustainable. We're talking about barriers. I would
We're talking about barriers. I would also like to mention four elements. One
also like to mention four elements. One of them was mentioned previously and it
of them was mentioned previously and it has to do with the structural side of
has to do with the structural side of things because we're facing a situation
things because we're facing a situation in which these peace processes pose a
in which these peace processes pose a structural issue for women's
structural issue for women's participation. Let's say that these are
participation. Let's say that these are patriarchal structures that do not allow
patriarchal structures that do not allow us women to be in decision-making
us women to be in decision-making spaces, not in power spaces. We're
spaces, not in power spaces. We're talking about um power struggle and
talking about um power struggle and we're talking about spaces of power. And
we're talking about spaces of power. And this is not something that only affects
this is not something that only affects peace. But it's equally true that when
peace. But it's equally true that when you take a look at the different sectors
you take a look at the different sectors and when you analyze the international
and when you analyze the international relations or diplomacy and therefore
relations or diplomacy and therefore when you analyze wars and how peace can
when you analyze wars and how peace can be constructed, we see things uh that
be constructed, we see things uh that show that there are much less women
show that there are much less women involved in international relations and
involved in international relations and even less women when we talk about
even less women when we talk about security issues and when we talk about
security issues and when we talk about peace. So it's important to pay lots of
peace. So it's important to pay lots of attention to this because on the one
attention to this because on the one hand we have the structural barrier and
hand we have the structural barrier and one of the consequences is that we don't
one of the consequences is that we don't have women involved in these processes.
have women involved in these processes. What is equally important and there
What is equally important and there something that you mentioned that I
something that you mentioned that I think is very relevant. Another of the
think is very relevant. Another of the barriers is that when we want women to
barriers is that when we want women to participate in these peace processes,
participate in these peace processes, they have to make a double effort
they have to make a double effort because we are entering into a world
because we are entering into a world that is um mainly uh organized and
that is um mainly uh organized and covered by men. So it's a very
covered by men. So it's a very patriarchal system once again and we do
patriarchal system once again and we do not only have to participate once you
not only have to participate once you participate you have to deconstruct many
participate you have to deconstruct many of the dynamics that prevent us from
of the dynamics that prevent us from making the proposals that we're supposed
making the proposals that we're supposed to make. So it's a world in which
to make. So it's a world in which there's lots of prejudice and it seems
there's lots of prejudice and it seems that we women are not recognized as one
that we women are not recognized as one of the valid stakeholders or the
of the valid stakeholders or the proposals that we're going to make are
proposals that we're going to make are valid and let's say that the basic
valid and let's say that the basic principle for a dialogue to work is
principle for a dialogue to work is based on recognizing the other party and
based on recognizing the other party and therefore respecting the other party and
therefore respecting the other party and this is something that in negotiation
this is something that in negotiation processes well women have not been
processes well women have not been acknowledged as a valid actor for that
acknowledged as a valid actor for that negotiation but in addition to that and
negotiation but in addition to that and what you do find is that continuous
what you do find is that continuous message says well the trouble is that
message says well the trouble is that you women are here to talk about your
you women are here to talk about your own issues but we're not here to talk
own issues but we're not here to talk about women we're here to talk about
about women we're here to talk about economy about the
territory and I have to talk about these two things from the um women's point of
two things from the um women's point of view so once again we come across this
view so once again we come across this structural violence as regards the role
structural violence as regards the role to be played by women in decision making
to be played by women in decision making in life and in any sphere and perhaps
in life and in any sphere and perhaps another element that we have well this
another element that we have well this is um world dominated by them, by the
is um world dominated by them, by the men. But at the negotiation spaces and
men. But at the negotiation spaces and informal spaces are absolutely
informal spaces are absolutely fundamental. And informal spaces are
fundamental. And informal spaces are when people connect and that's when we
when people connect and that's when we humanize the process too and to connect
humanize the process too and to connect and to humanize and for us to be able to
and to humanize and for us to be able to reach agreements. These informal spaces
reach agreements. These informal spaces are controlled by them. And sometimes
are controlled by them. And sometimes it's very difficult for us in these
it's very difficult for us in these informal spaces after the negotiations
informal spaces after the negotiations to go and have a cup of coffee. It's
to go and have a cup of coffee. It's difficult to include women in a natural
difficult to include women in a natural manner because the effort you have to
manner because the effort you have to made is triple to be able to reach out
made is triple to be able to reach out to these spaces and in the end all of
to these spaces and in the end all of these elements mean that women join late
these elements mean that women join late when perhaps the negotiations have
when perhaps the negotiations have already advanced. We have an example of
already advanced. We have an example of this in Colombia in the peace process in
this in Colombia in the peace process in Colombia and uh well they negotiated
Colombia and uh well they negotiated things for a very long time in the last
things for a very long time in the last few months. They said oh we haven't
few months. They said oh we haven't taken a check out women so let's have a
taken a check out women so let's have a women's forum. So in the end well they
women's forum. So in the end well they did manage to incorporate them but the
did manage to incorporate them but the process started off with a structural
process started off with a structural failure and another two things that I
failure and another two things that I believe are essential that have to do
believe are essential that have to do with barriers. One has to do with the
with barriers. One has to do with the violence and sexual violence as a war
violence and sexual violence as a war weapon. Well this is not the time to
weapon. Well this is not the time to discuss this but this is one of the
discuss this but this is one of the conditioning factors and this is why
conditioning factors and this is why there's an impact the impact of wars and
there's an impact the impact of wars and conflicts is much greater for women. So
conflicts is much greater for women. So this means that when you sit down at a
this means that when you sit down at a negotiations table, the starting point
negotiations table, the starting point for this collective that
for this collective that possibly has been more affected requires
possibly has been more affected requires a bigger
a bigger effort so that you can sit down there
effort so that you can sit down there and so that you can negotiate and so
and so that you can negotiate and so that you can review all the things that
that you can review all the things that have happened because this violence that
have happened because this violence that has been suffered is still maintained in
has been suffered is still maintained in the negotiation space and also political
the negotiation space and also political violence and that is that many times
violence and that is that many times they have a double threat and when you
they have a double threat and when you incorporate a cultural and religious
incorporate a cultural and religious component that we also include in these
component that we also include in these negotiation processes
negotiation processes and uh also another barrier would be
and uh also another barrier would be resources because to participate in
resources because to participate in negotiation processes we still uh need
negotiation processes we still uh need the capacity of strengthening the
the capacity of strengthening the organizations investing but as we will
organizations investing but as we will go to proposals later I want to um go
go to proposals later I want to um go more in depth into this and I will leave
more in depth into this and I will leave it with those four uh elements that I've
it with those four uh elements that I've just mentioned.
just mentioned. Maria, how do you answer these two
Maria, how do you answer these two questions of how it is important for
questions of how it is important for women to participate in this processes
women to participate in this processes and what are some of the hurdles and
and what are some of the hurdles and later on we will see how we can overcome
later on we will see how we can overcome this uh hurdles.
She's saying a few words in Basque. As soon as she speaks in Spanish, we will
soon as she speaks in Spanish, we will continue interpreting for you. Bear with
continue interpreting for you. Bear with us.
[Music] I would like to say many things but I'm
I would like to say many things but I'm very pleased that he you've already
very pleased that he you've already mentioned many of them in this panel and
mentioned many of them in this panel and in the previous panel. I was uh thanking
in the previous panel. I was uh thanking the organizations that have uh kicked
the organizations that have uh kicked off this
off this initiative that um takes place in
initiative that um takes place in Garnika after being present in other
Garnika after being present in other cities and that will end in August with
cities and that will end in August with the event in Hiroshima.
Yesterday we closed the 35th days on culture and peace that we
culture and peace that we organize every year
organize every year um to uh commemorate the uh bombing of
um to uh commemorate the uh bombing of Garnika and the title was life and
Garnika and the title was life and peace.
life because uh we need to demand dignity for everyone's lives and peace
dignity for everyone's lives and peace so that we can have a peaceful uh
so that we can have a peaceful uh coexistence. So we give value to both um
coexistence. So we give value to both um peace and
peace and life. And
life. And in this working days, we were also
in this working days, we were also looking towards the future for a
looking towards the future for a conference that we will be organizing in
conference that we will be organizing in Garnika and Bilbao next year. A the year
Garnika and Bilbao next year. A the year 2026, the international conference on
2026, the international conference on um women and peace. It's been organized
um women and peace. It's been organized 14 times before in other countries and
14 times before in other countries and cities. For us, it is a challenge. So,
cities. For us, it is a challenge. So, we are a bit nervous regarding what we
we are a bit nervous regarding what we will be facing. But we are also uh very
will be facing. But we are also uh very pleased to work together with so many
pleased to work together with so many women and mainly women from Colombia,
women and mainly women from Colombia, Mosmbique,
Mosmbique, uh the Bas country and other um regions
uh the Bas country and other um regions in Spain and from the international
in Spain and from the international league of women for peace.
league of women for peace. So it's important to work together with
So it's important to work together with all these initiatives and we need to uh
all these initiatives and we need to uh reflect on why inclusion is so
reflect on why inclusion is so significant. All these women and many
significant. All these women and many other are observing and identifying how
other are observing and identifying how important it is to include women and
important it is to include women and you've already mentioned this including
you've already mentioned this including women is important because it's
women is important because it's important to include all
important to include all voices and the presence of all those
voices and the presence of all those women that are supporting uh priest
women that are supporting uh priest processes and to get together and to
processes and to get together and to jointly reflect on how to leave behind
jointly reflect on how to leave behind all those obstacles that are not
all those obstacles that are not allowing us to access with uh security
allowing us to access with uh security in participation processes, dialogue
in participation processes, dialogue processes and in decision making
processes as you've uh mentioned
mentioned the origin
the origin of conflicts give us many clues.
of conflicts give us many clues. We have to look back and
We have to look back and remember, look at our past because we
remember, look at our past because we have the biggest uh historic legacy of m
mankind and time is uh going by very quickly. Regarding what
uh going by very quickly. Regarding what you were saying of
you were saying of the 89 seconds and the 88th
the 89 seconds and the 88th anniversary, I believe this is an
anniversary, I believe this is an opportunity not only for
opportunity not only for GIA and with you all but we need to uh
GIA and with you all but we need to uh reflect on the space that peace takes in
reflect on the space that peace takes in our lives. What is the position of peace
our lives. What is the position of peace in our lives? Because this piece is full
in our lives? Because this piece is full of contents of different uh gazes.
And if we go back for example to the 80s at the time we had uh proposals like uh
at the time we had uh proposals like uh defending nature, feminism,
defending nature, feminism, anti-militarism and many other movements
anti-militarism and many other movements that
um happened at the time. and Gernika brings us back to the
brings us back to the past and as well as Gaza and many other
past and as well as Gaza and many other cities in the world and many other
cities in the world and many other places that are territories of violence
places that are territories of violence and
and war. And it uh also makes us look at
war. And it uh also makes us look at each other and reflect on what is the
each other and reflect on what is the uh place of peace in our lives. And we
uh place of peace in our lives. And we also need to be aware of what our
also need to be aware of what our position is in life. What are the uh
position is in life. What are the uh processes in which we can not only
processes in which we can not only imagine and reflect but also
imagine and reflect but also progress to be able to take up this
progress to be able to take up this spaces that uh protect, support us and
spaces that uh protect, support us and uh help us develop our lives.
mainly focusing on the feminist gaze that talks about demanding rights but
that talks about demanding rights but not only rights for
women but uh for each and everyone. This transformative element of
everyone. This transformative element of feminism and pacifism that questions the
feminism and pacifism that questions the uh situation
and questions that uh war is uh unavoidable because it's not true.
unavoidable because it's not true. That's why we need the time to exchange
That's why we need the time to exchange stories. We need to do so on time and
stories. We need to do so on time and with time and create spaces like this
with time and create spaces like this one where we can discuss all of this is
issues please. Yes, I take the floor. uh I didn't say thank you nor hello or
uh I didn't say thank you nor hello or anything. So I would like to uh first of
anything. So I would like to uh first of all thank you for organizing this event
all thank you for organizing this event and for um including me in this uh uh
and for um including me in this uh uh panel. I had to reflect on uh um on
panel. I had to reflect on uh um on peace and the first element I go back to
peace and the first element I go back to is violence.
The first issue we need to be aware of is that we are violent. And I'm sorry
is that we are violent. And I'm sorry for this, but it's part of our nature.
for this, but it's part of our nature. Raise your hand if you've never gotten
Raise your hand if you've never gotten so angry that you feel like you want to
so angry that you feel like you want to just break everything or hit
just break everything or hit someone. So there's a part of our animal
someone. So there's a part of our animal nature, but the issue is how we manage
nature, but the issue is how we manage this. And that's uh because we
this. And that's uh because we are rational uh beings because of our
are rational uh beings because of our development culture and social presence.
development culture and social presence. We need to see how we manage violence.
We need to see how we manage violence. And this is what we need to speak about
And this is what we need to speak about to our children, our society and the
to our children, our society and the world in which we live. If we are not
world in which we live. If we are not able to be aware of violence and manage
able to be aware of violence and manage this violence, things are going to be
this violence, things are going to be complex. we because we are not pure
complex. we because we are not pure beings that are not tempted in different
beings that are not tempted in different situations in life to uh act and I'm not
situations in life to uh act and I'm not talking about uh killing someone or
talking about uh killing someone or being part of our war but of responding
being part of our war but of responding in a way that can be even negative for
in a way that can be even negative for ourselves and for others.
Something else you've all mentioned and that is a concern for me is fear because
that is a concern for me is fear because the message is a message of fear. I have
the message is a message of fear. I have a youngsters and they are uh feeling
a youngsters and they are uh feeling that the world is ending that we don't
that the world is ending that we don't have time that more wars will happen. So
have time that more wars will happen. So of course the situation is uh uh were
of course the situation is uh uh were concerning but we need to be careful
concerning but we need to be careful with the messages uh for our uh youth.
with the messages uh for our uh youth. The other is that they are all like
The other is that they are all like zombies that just look at their mobile
zombies that just look at their mobile phones but we've seen um in the floods
phones but we've seen um in the floods in Valencia their response in our
in Valencia their response in our country in a complex situation. So let's
country in a complex situation. So let's not uh transmit so many negative
not uh transmit so many negative messages on uh the youth their values
messages on uh the youth their values and u um their
and u um their principles and of course there are
principles and of course there are risks. I don't want to deny this but we
risks. I don't want to deny this but we also need to transmit positive messages
also need to transmit positive messages because fear is the main ally of
because fear is the main ally of violence.
you end up believing that the others are enemies and you go against them because
enemies and you go against them because you felt threatened. So be very careful
you felt threatened. So be very careful with the messages on uh fear. Another
with the messages on uh fear. Another important
important element is that we have our western uh
element is that we have our western uh view of things. But there are many
view of things. But there are many places in the world where people are
places in the world where people are doing things differently, live
doing things differently, live differently and have other values and
differently and have other values and they are not
they are not exactly do things in the same way as
exactly do things in the same way as us in the western world. So we need to
us in the western world. So we need to be flexible when facing diversity.
be flexible when facing diversity. We cannot uh assess the diversity in the
We cannot uh assess the diversity in the world with our
world with our eurosentric view or western view of
eurosentric view or western view of things. Why? Because there's a people
things. Why? Because there's a people that can contribute many interesting
that can contribute many interesting things. As we've said before, there's
things. As we've said before, there's diverse powers and these societies are
diverse powers and these societies are um different. The societies are
um different. The societies are different and they have other values.
different and they have other values. For example, they live in a more
For example, they live in a more collective manner. There's a family
collective manner. There's a family support, something that
support, something that uh is different to individualism and
uh is different to individualism and that can contribute in a very
that can contribute in a very interesting manner to discussion about
interesting manner to discussion about how peace needs to be and how the future
how peace needs to be and how the future world will be. And the youngster should
world will be. And the youngster should be the one that can h
be the one that can h have this different views to create this
have this different views to create this spaces of
spaces of uh peace and coexistence with justice,
uh peace and coexistence with justice, equality and so on and so forth.
equality and so on and so forth. But this vision that could be
But this vision that could be ideological
ideological uh is uh a place uh in which we need to
uh is uh a place uh in which we need to open our eyes to see that there are
open our eyes to see that there are other realities and other ways of
other realities and other ways of experiencing things in this planet and
experiencing things in this planet and this world. Thank you Isabelle. There
this world. Thank you Isabelle. There are two things of what you've just
are two things of what you've just mentioned that also were mentioned by
mentioned that also were mentioned by Maria and that is that uh war can be
Maria and that is that uh war can be avoided. So this is a an important
avoided. So this is a an important premise but also we have to talk about
premise but also we have to talk about territories of life with a plural gaze.
territories of life with a plural gaze. You don't you didn't use the term
You don't you didn't use the term plural, you use the term diverse, but I
plural, you use the term diverse, but I would say a plural uh view or gaze. And
would say a plural uh view or gaze. And uh bearing in mind that we have 10
uh bearing in mind that we have 10 minutes left because we're very much
minutes left because we're very much delayed, I would ask you to very briefly
delayed, I would ask you to very briefly speak about some of the strategies that
speak about some of the strategies that you believe uh work to better integrate
you believe uh work to better integrate the gender perspective to be more
the gender perspective to be more efficient in peace processes. bearing in
efficient in peace processes. bearing in mind
uh hope because we have many young people and yes in fact I share what
people and yes in fact I share what you've just said because young people
you've just said because young people are are hope but also with a plural or
are are hope but also with a plural or diverse vision.
I wanted to add something to what Isabelle was saying in research for
Isabelle was saying in research for peace and in the different academic
peace and in the different academic areas where we work with scientific
areas where we work with scientific rigor wars
rigor wars are avoidable and violence too. We are
are avoidable and violence too. We are not violent by nature. These are social
not violent by nature. These are social constructions, cultural constructions
constructions, cultural constructions that
um make us use violence or use other measures in a peaceful manner with
measures in a peaceful manner with respect and cooperation.
So in uh research for peace sometimes we there's a uh mixing up between um
there's a uh mixing up between um aggressiveness and violence because when
aggressiveness and violence because when we as a
we as a beings feel a threat that can be real or
beings feel a threat that can be real or not. we react and this
not. we react and this reactction can be violent but this is
reactction can be violent but this is something that we can also work
something that we can also work on. And so we observe that wars can be
on. And so we observe that wars can be uh avoided and all cultural violence and
uh avoided and all cultural violence and structural violence and all direct
structural violence and all direct violence can be avoided and we need to
violence can be avoided and we need to work to achieve this and to build
work to achieve this and to build peaceful uh uh societies with mutual
peaceful uh uh societies with mutual understanding regarding participation.
understanding regarding participation. We also need more political will, real
We also need more political will, real political will.
We need to believe and promote uh the participation of women in all spaces and
participation of women in all spaces and stages of a peace processes from the
stages of a peace processes from the planning to
planning to execution to the drafting of
execution to the drafting of reports and the implementation and
followup and that they participate in leadership. uh uh
leadership. uh uh positions that they participate also in
positions that they participate also in decision making uh processes. We need to
decision making uh processes. We need to promote and favor this and also there is
promote and favor this and also there is a situation that is not always taken
a situation that is not always taken into account and that makes this more
into account and that makes this more difficult which is the financial
difficult which is the financial situation of women. There's also gender
situation of women. There's also gender poverty and a situation in which
poverty and a situation in which inequality specifically affects women
inequality specifically affects women and therefore we also need that uh
and therefore we also need that uh support so that women can fully
support so that women can fully participate and that it's not that they
participate and that it's not that they feel limited because of their financial
feel limited because of their financial situation as Isabelle said that you can
situation as Isabelle said that you can participate and decide how you want to
participate and decide how you want to participate or at least have the
participate or at least have the possibility of
possibility of participating. So, uh
participating. So, uh um also uh family um life balance can
um also uh family um life balance can make things more difficult and that's
make things more difficult and that's why women need support and there needs
why women need support and there needs to be this real political will for this
to be this real political will for this to happen and therefore we need to have
to happen and therefore we need to have resources to do
resources to do so.
so. Another important issue is the
Another important issue is the implementation and development of a
implementation and development of a feminist act of women and also women's
feminist act of women and also women's movements are very necessary and
movements are very necessary and sometimes they don't have the uh funding
sometimes they don't have the uh funding that they
need. So we need to support them in different ways.
different ways. Thank you for your uh response and your
Thank you for your uh response and your enuances Marta. Well, we have very
enuances Marta. Well, we have very little time left and I would also like
little time left and I would also like to focus and I would also like to focus
to focus and I would also like to focus on the local initiatives because it is
on the local initiatives because it is also true that for me the local
also true that for me the local component of course demands time. These
component of course demands time. These are long processes but this is the seed
are long processes but this is the seed to what we can achieve for the future.
to what we can achieve for the future. For example, we're working in Niger,
For example, we're working in Niger, Colombia and other countries. But what
Colombia and other countries. But what comes to my mind now is the example of
comes to my mind now is the example of Niger where working in an agricultural
Niger where working in an agricultural and
and uh project. We observed that there were
uh project. We observed that there were many women in different communities that
many women in different communities that were the ones that in a very natural
were the ones that in a very natural manner and in a very efficient manner to
manner and in a very efficient manner to uh had the role of
uh had the role of mediators in conflicts uh between the
mediators in conflicts uh between the people uh working the land or the uh
people uh working the land or the uh land
land owners or the problems of women's that
owners or the problems of women's that lost their right to inherit the land be.
lost their right to inherit the land be. So in a natural manner this women became
So in a natural manner this women became medi mediators in this conflicts. They
medi mediators in this conflicts. They became the leaders in their own
communities. And there was an initiative that is linked to the action plan for
that is linked to the action plan for women peace and uh uh security where we
women peace and uh uh security where we started to work together with this women
started to work together with this women leaders and
leaders and mediators and it's really made lots of
mediators and it's really made lots of sense to work in this manner and the
sense to work in this manner and the um what has been achieved was
um what has been achieved was unexpected. We've empowered this woman
unexpected. We've empowered this woman to do things better. They also are in
to do things better. They also are in contact with each other so that there's
contact with each other so that there's an exchange of experiences and also to
an exchange of experiences and also to have psychological support because
have psychological support because sometimes being the mediator
sometimes being the mediator um makes them feel alone and lonely. So
um makes them feel alone and lonely. So sharing with others makes things better.
sharing with others makes things better. So it had an impact on them
So it had an impact on them psychologically but also because it
psychologically but also because it became an inspiration for many of the
became an inspiration for many of the girls in this communities. Up till then
girls in this communities. Up till then the women only had uh men leaders as a
the women only had uh men leaders as a uh reference. When the girls start to
uh reference. When the girls start to see that this uh um women become leaders
see that this uh um women become leaders and can solve the problems in the
and can solve the problems in the community, they decide that they can do
community, they decide that they can do uh something like that in the future. So
uh something like that in the future. So many of these women leaders and we've
many of these women leaders and we've seen this in Colombia are the ones that
seen this in Colombia are the ones that are in negotiations too. So together we
are in negotiations too. So together we are um building a
are um building a system based on their local realities
system based on their local realities with uh the possibility of uh escalating
with uh the possibility of uh escalating this practices that can also have an
this practices that can also have an effect nationally and internationally.
effect nationally and internationally. So this element of community is
So this element of community is something that is usually not so much
something that is usually not so much taken into account but for us is part of
taken into account but for us is part of the key to the success of many changes
the key to the success of many changes in these communities. Thank you
in these communities. Thank you Eva. I'm not going to be focusing
Eva. I'm not going to be focusing because I think being very well
because I think being very well explained by my colleagues. So I would
explained by my colleagues. So I would like to uh ones most affected and uh
like to uh ones most affected and uh stopping this threats is important. We
stopping this threats is important. We need to generate a new model a model
need to generate a new model a model where we also have threats. We are
where we also have threats. We are seeing that in um the name of the green
seeing that in um the name of the green agenda, we create new projects in the
agenda, we create new projects in the global south that once again is
global south that once again is um taking
um taking u resources and raw materials that are
u resources and raw materials that are critical for renewables. This
critical for renewables. This communities are affected and mainly
communities are affected and mainly women and girls.
The second element is the uh way which create an alternative and way which
create an alternative and way which create an alternative and we
create an alternative and we redistribute a wealth that is in the
redistribute a wealth that is in the hands of a very
hands of a very few and also how we're able to guarantee
few and also how we're able to guarantee there's a basic income and how we make
there's a basic income and how we make possible that the big corporates, the
possible that the big corporates, the wealthy have a tax system implemented
wealthy have a tax system implemented where there's a tax money can go to
where there's a tax money can go to empowering women and vulnerable
empowering women and vulnerable communities when
communities when necessary. The third element is to make
necessary. The third element is to make the system more democratic. There are
the system more democratic. There are different uh proposals for the energy
different uh proposals for the energy system, food system, many changes but we
system, food system, many changes but we cannot continue having uh the power of
cannot continue having uh the power of utilities for example. So this should be
utilities for example. So this should be in the hands of uh the uh citizens. We
in the hands of uh the uh citizens. We should be in charge of uh things. We
should be in charge of uh things. We need to democratize the
need to democratize the system and our colleagues from the
system and our colleagues from the Granada talked about a world
Granada talked about a world um citizen assembly and we need to be
um citizen assembly and we need to be present in decision making spaces and
present in decision making spaces and not only as women but as citizens but
not only as women but as citizens but still we are just voting every four
still we are just voting every four years and that's our democratic system
years and that's our democratic system at the time.
We also need to generate a positive uh narratives that talk about life
narratives that talk about life possibilities and optimism that we're
possibilities and optimism that we're able to see things in different ways.
able to see things in different ways. this week um there's a new series in uh
this week um there's a new series in uh the Spanish uh public television called
the Spanish uh public television called Hope which is wonderful because it shows
Hope which is wonderful because it shows all the different things that different
all the different things that different communities resilient communities are
communities resilient communities are doing in different places in the world.
doing in different places in the world. So all this already exists but this is
So all this already exists but this is not shown on um daily TV on social
not shown on um daily TV on social media. We are just seeing war
media. We are just seeing war destruction and uh Mr. Trump's messages
destruction and uh Mr. Trump's messages each and every day. So we also need to
each and every day. So we also need to make visible all this um examples of
make visible all this um examples of hope and uh finally to protect rights
We are at a a point where we need to protect
protect rights. Everything that has been
rights. Everything that has been achieved by the citizen uh
achieved by the citizen uh movements and that women have achieved
movements and that women have achieved needs to be uh
needs to be uh protected for future generations. All
protected for future generations. All very important issues. Maria, you now
very important issues. Maria, you now have the possibility or the
have the possibility or the responsibility of closing this very
responsibility of closing this very interesting uh
interesting uh conversation and I would invite you if
conversation and I would invite you if you will uh uh allow me to do so uh with
you will uh uh allow me to do so uh with hope. I trust you will be able to do so.
hope. I trust you will be able to do so. Yes. This is a shared risk
Yes. This is a shared risk responsibility because I fully agree
responsibility because I fully agree with what the different panelists have
with what the different panelists have said
said uh during this panel and the other uh
uh during this panel and the other uh panels.
Yes, we need to question uh in the narrative that is presented as the only
narrative that is presented as the only and egimmonic one. We're being told a
and egimmonic one. We're being told a tale that is not true and that has
tale that is not true and that has brought us to this situation. But there
brought us to this situation. But there are other options,
are other options, other alternatives, other ways of
other alternatives, other ways of leaving that
1989 it was declared that human beings are not uh violent by
that human beings are not uh violent by a nature. Of course there's a component
a nature. Of course there's a component of aggressiveness but we have the
of aggressiveness but we have the capacity of not only remembering but
capacity of not only remembering but building remember remembering to know
building remember remembering to know what are the um what is the narrative
what are the um what is the narrative what is the story that from the past and
what is the story that from the past and how we make it our own and we reimagine
how we make it our own and we reimagine territories of life in a different way.
territories of life in a different way. And I think that we had to recover that
And I think that we had to recover that verb. In other words, renouncing
verb. In other words, renouncing renouncing renouncing
renouncing renouncing domination that sustains all of these
domination that sustains all of these structures, all of the patriarchal and
structures, all of the patriarchal and colonial and capitalist
structures. And it's um since 40 years ago, the neol liberal
um since 40 years ago, the neol liberal structures too, the neoliberal
structures too, the neoliberal structures. And what they want to make
structures. And what they want to make us believe, they want us make us believe
us believe, they want us make us believe in individualistic ontology. In other
in individualistic ontology. In other words, that we are
able to be as we are just uh through your efforts and as if the um story of
your efforts and as if the um story of our lives had nothing to do, no
our lives had nothing to do, no connection whatsoever. And that is not
connection whatsoever. And that is not true because there are already proposals
true because there are already proposals that are focusing on other focusing on
that are focusing on other focusing on other things that are shown showing us
other things that are shown showing us how from the different continents from
how from the different continents from Asia, Africa and Latin America and also
Asia, Africa and Latin America and also in Europe if we were to recover our
in Europe if we were to recover our traditions our more connective
traditions our more connective traditions that there's a way of uh
traditions that there's a way of uh being in the world that is very clear
being in the world that is very clear because it's the only possible way of uh
because it's the only possible way of uh thinking and of acting in relation to
thinking and of acting in relation to other women or other
other women or other men and also in relation to that
men and also in relation to that territory to that uh land that sustain
territory to that uh land that sustain us sustains us and in relation to that
us sustains us and in relation to that community that we're living in that is
community that we're living in that is the planet because we belong to that
the planet because we belong to that system and to that um plot of life too.
system and to that um plot of life too. So whenever we are considering what
So whenever we are considering what um what role uh pieces to play in our
um what role uh pieces to play in our life, well
life, well then you also have to deoccupy those
then you also have to deoccupy those spaces of domination that we have
spaces of domination that we have incorporated so that we can think about
incorporated so that we can think about this from a completely different angle.
this from a completely different angle. So the territory and the place itself
So the territory and the place itself um so to speak are the epistemological
um so to speak are the epistemological elements. In other words, these are
elements. In other words, these are things that teach us and you have to be
things that teach us and you have to be more than willing to learn and to see
more than willing to learn and to see how it is possible to sustain life on
how it is possible to sustain life on this planet which is the one we have and
this planet which is the one we have and uh to which we also belong. what I mean
uh to which we also belong. what I mean that's what I mean to say and uh who
that's what I mean to say and uh who sustains us or that sustains us as we
sustains us or that sustains us as we are sustained by um completely community
are sustained by um completely community approach and I'm referring to something
approach and I'm referring to something that is much more extensive that has to
that is much more extensive that has to do with our lives because this does not
do with our lives because this does not only have to do with human beings but it
only have to do with human beings but it has to do with the beings the beings
has to do with the beings the beings themselves that express themselves in a
themselves that express themselves in a completely different
completely different manner and
manner and I think that all of us together, we are
I think that all of us together, we are all involved. We are all participating
all involved. We are all participating in this element of life. And going back
in this element of life. And going back to your first question and that has to
to your first question and that has to do with
do with inclusion, it is necessary to include
inclusion, it is necessary to include all of those voices that until now we
all of those voices that until now we have uh set aside. We've set aside many
have uh set aside. We've set aside many of them
of them and these are things that were also
and these are things that were also mentioned in the previous presentations.
mentioned in the previous presentations. It's important to know how to look and
It's important to know how to look and we people that understand that we can uh
we people that understand that we can uh take on board this centrality in Europe.
take on board this centrality in Europe. What we have to do is learn to listen
What we have to do is learn to listen and we have to learn to see. So we have
and we have to learn to see. So we have to learn to see through other uh glasses
to learn to see through other uh glasses colonial or feminist and many other
colonial or feminist and many other kinds of glasses too. And we have to
kinds of glasses too. And we have to deoccupy
centrality so that we can actually discover what that is all about, what
discover what that is all about, what that plot is all about and include all
that plot is all about and include all the voices and uh everybody's gazes and
the voices and uh everybody's gazes and give them presence because there is
give them presence because there is already a political presence. We have to
already a political presence. We have to achieve more participation and I think
achieve more participation and I think that what we have to exclude is that
that what we have to exclude is that anxiety to dominate others as well as
anxiety to dominate others as well as violence and
violence and war and hope. There has to be hope
war and hope. There has to be hope because we mentioned uh we've mentioned
because we mentioned uh we've mentioned over the last few days we have to be
over the last few days we have to be very humble epistemologically speaking
very humble epistemologically speaking we have to focus on hope too that
we have to focus on hope too that mobilizes
people also talking about in commemorating the anniversary of the uh
commemorating the anniversary of the uh Gernika bombing and of other
Gernika bombing and of other commemorations too so that we can
commemorations too so that we can remember what happened so that we can
remember what happened so that we can learn from those episodes. We have to
learn from those episodes. We have to commemorate, remember, and imagine and
commemorate, remember, and imagine and renounce. But also, I think that we have
renounce. But also, I think that we have to celebrate life. We have to celebrate
to celebrate life. We have to celebrate that we're all alive, that we're all
that we're all alive, that we're all here, and that we can make peace, and
here, and that we can make peace, and that we can live on this planet in a
that we can live on this planet in a much more fair and
much more fair and sustainable and careful and respectful
sustainable and careful and respectful manner. Thank you very much. Thank you
manner. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Maria, for those words.
Well, I think that it's we don't really have to draw any conclusions after these
have to draw any conclusions after these beautiful words from Maria and I suppose
beautiful words from Maria and I suppose that you all want to go and have lunch.
that you all want to go and have lunch. So, we're going to be closing this panel
So, we're going to be closing this panel here. Thank you very much to the
here. Thank you very much to the panelists. Thank you very much for this
panelists. Thank you very much for this rich dialogue and for being so
rich dialogue and for being so respectful to Thank you very much.
respectful to Thank you very much. Bye-bye. See you later.
We're coming back once again. And uh I would like to ask you to take your
would like to ask you to take your seats, please. And we trust and hope
seats, please. And we trust and hope that you've enjoyed you've enjoyed the
that you've enjoyed you've enjoyed the morning sessions and uh at this
morning sessions and uh at this wonderful seminar we're holding him and
wonderful seminar we're holding him and also that
also that wonderful moment we had over lunch when
wonderful moment we had over lunch when we were all together at the restaurant.
we were all together at the restaurant. So I'm sure many of the things have been
So I'm sure many of the things have been said here that you've been mentioning
said here that you've been mentioning over lunch bunch and this afternoon
over lunch bunch and this afternoon we're going to have the opportunity of
we're going to have the opportunity of uh carrying on with a very beautiful
uh carrying on with a very beautiful dialogue.
announcements and you would allow me to say this because I've been speaking to
say this because I've been speaking to my panel colleagues and uh well behind
my panel colleagues and uh well behind us I'm not sure if you can see me but
us I'm not sure if you can see me but here we have our
here we have our colleagues that are virtually
colleagues that are virtually present but you'll understand that when
present but you'll understand that when I make this introduction what I have to
I make this introduction what I have to say is that it's very very exciting to
say is that it's very very exciting to be here today with you in Garnika in the
be here today with you in Garnika in the city with what it means for many of us.
grateful for the support given by the by
for the support given by the by Mikatinos from the Alliance of
Mikatinos from the Alliance of Civilizations and I have a personal
Civilizations and I have a personal connection with him and I've always
connection with him and I've always mentioned how much I admire him on many
mentioned how much I admire him on many occasions but I would like to say once
occasions but I would like to say once again that I admired him a lot when I
again that I admired him a lot when I was a very very young girl not as young
was a very very young girl not as young as you
as you and in the government that was chaired
and in the government that was chaired by Ruth
by Ruth You were the foreign affairs minister
You were the foreign affairs minister and you launched the alliance of
and you launched the alliance of civilizations initiative and personally
civilizations initiative and personally due to my own personal or
due to my own personal or professional features I thought that he
professional features I thought that he was the most important person of the
was the most important person of the world because he was launching the most
world because he was launching the most important initiative of the last few
important initiative of the last few decades and I still think along the same
decades and I still think along the same lines years later Miganaka. So thank you
lines years later Miganaka. So thank you very much indeed. Thank you very much
very much indeed. Thank you very much for defending this for such a long time.
for defending this for such a long time. Firstly at the national government and
Firstly at the national government and now through United Nations because you
now through United Nations because you are a firm a firm believer in this and
are a firm a firm believer in this and also thank you for bringing us all
also thank you for bringing us all together here and for thinking that it
together here and for thinking that it made lots of sense for us to include the
made lots of sense for us to include the young men and women and we'll be talking
young men and women and we'll be talking about that right now. We'll be talking
about that right now. We'll be talking about people from many generations youth
about people from many generations youth and we're going to be talking about
and we're going to be talking about equality too. So a million thanks.
equality too. So a million thanks. So with this after this uh brief
So with this after this uh brief introduction that I find is very
introduction that I find is very emotional too because if otherwise it
emotional too because if otherwise it wouldn't be myself
wouldn't be myself speaking and we were just giving some
speaking and we were just giving some thought about this session and session
thought about this session and session where part of it is um virtual part of
where part of it is um virtual part of it is in person. So what we want to do
it is in person. So what we want to do is we want to talk about many different
is we want to talk about many different things and within this logic of wanting
things and within this logic of wanting to address many issues we have to be
to address many issues we have to be aware of the fact that when we decided
aware of the fact that when we decided wasn't that the case from the mayor from
wasn't that the case from the mayor from where we decided to open up the space to
where we decided to open up the space to young people. This was based on the fact
young people. This was based on the fact that we need to listen to their voices
that we need to listen to their voices and the voice of the youth of these
and the voice of the youth of these young
young men is not a homogeneous
men is not a homogeneous voice and will normally we're talking
voice and will normally we're talking about a more critical kind of voice
about a more critical kind of voice because what I believe is that we are
because what I believe is that we are here to listen to whatever they
here to listen to whatever they need and also well they also have to
need and also well they also have to listen
listen about or they have to discover why we
about or they have to discover why we still have to carry out this important
still have to carry out this important task and which seems to be imposs it
task and which seems to be imposs it seems to be impossible to achieve peace
seems to be impossible to achieve peace but even so we cannot stop our dial
but even so we cannot stop our dial dialogue. The main stakeholders
dialogue. The main stakeholders here this afternoon are these young
here this afternoon are these young people and these voices of young people
people and these voices of young people that are going to point out things that
that are going to point out things that perhaps we don't feel comfortable with.
perhaps we don't feel comfortable with. But this is what it's all about too. And
But this is what it's all about too. And I said to them, look, you have total
I said to them, look, you have total freedom and you can say whatever comes
freedom and you can say whatever comes out from the depth of your
heart. So it could be something you know about initiative that cropped up 20
about initiative that cropped up 20 years ago.
which was a very important thing. It was like a landmark, a milestone for many
like a landmark, a milestone for many people who were young like me for
people who were young like me for instance and we obviously saw that peace
instance and we obviously saw that peace represents a challenge and so does
represents a challenge and so does dialogue and understanding each other
dialogue and understanding each other too. And this is something that we have
too. And this is something that we have to be taught, something that we have to
to be taught, something that we have to cultivate and sometimes that's no easy
cultivate and sometimes that's no easy task in this context we're living in.
task in this context we're living in. Right? So from now on then what we want
Right? So from now on then what we want to do with these sessions, we want to
to do with these sessions, we want to open up a space for you young people,
open up a space for you young people, you young men and women so that we can
you young men and women so that we can think about these things so that we can
think about these things so that we can also
also dream and I enjoy saying something that
dream and I enjoy saying something that I've learned a long time ago and that is
I've learned a long time ago and that is if you dream about something and if you
if you dream about something and if you focused on the public sphere, if you
focused on the public sphere, if you want to design a public policy, although
want to design a public policy, although it perhaps sounds somewhat naive,
it perhaps sounds somewhat naive, First of all, you have to dream about
First of all, you have to dream about it. And from that moment on, that's when
it. And from that moment on, that's when things start to happen if we want things
things start to happen if we want things to happen. Of course, even though those
to happen. Of course, even though those things that do happen are not perfect,
things that do happen are not perfect, but the world belongs to the courageous
but the world belongs to the courageous and you must make mistakes and you
and you must make mistakes and you mustn't remain sitting down doing
mustn't remain sitting down doing nothing. So this is the exercise that
nothing. So this is the exercise that we're starting today and it's not going
we're starting today and it's not going to finish the day, but we know that this
to finish the day, but we know that this is just the starting point. So according
is just the starting point. So according to this logic, we have designed this
to this logic, we have designed this session with a bit of a mix. And for
session with a bit of a mix. And for those of you that have not read the
those of you that have not read the program, I would like you to understand
program, I would like you to understand it better because we don't have all the
it better because we don't have all the names. So who's here with me on stage?
names. So who's here with me on stage? Well, we have three students from the
Well, we have three students from the Antonio
Antonio Machado High School in Sodia who are
Machado High School in Sodia who are here together with their colleagues,
here together with their colleagues, their classmates. And let's have a big
their classmates. And let's have a big round of applause for them because
round of applause for them because they're very brave, these guys.
remember a bit of improvisation and some of you might appear here on screen too
of you might appear here on screen too or also think considering where we
or also think considering where we stand. We are right now in a city that
stand. We are right now in a city that represents
represents the how you suffer in a war and how you
the how you suffer in a war and how you have to head towards peace. And we are
have to head towards peace. And we are in Garnika which is not only a symbol
in Garnika which is not only a symbol for the Bas country but also for Spain,
for the Bas country but also for Spain, for Europe and for the rest of the
for Europe and for the rest of the world. So this is why we have with us
world. So this is why we have with us Elena. Elena, thank you very much. And
Elena. Elena, thank you very much. And you are going to serve as the
you are going to serve as the intergenerational link too. and you're
intergenerational link too. and you're going to be talking about many things,
going to be talking about many things, but you're also going to be describing
but you're also going to be describing the challenges that young people have at
the challenges that young people have at this point in time when we are in a
this point in time when we are in a stage in which formal education doesn't
stage in which formal education doesn't teach us very much. So, how can we learn
teach us very much. So, how can we learn from peace? That's what it's all about.
from peace? That's what it's all about. And of course, it's a privilege to have
And of course, it's a privilege to have Kimberly there and as well as Oriana.
Kimberly there and as well as Oriana. It's great to have you guys here because
It's great to have you guys here because we have three young people.
we have three young people. who are involved in a marvelous program
who are involved in a marvelous program that was launched by the Alliance of
that was launched by the Alliance of Civilizations that has to do with how
Civilizations that has to do with how these youngsters are agents
these youngsters are agents for peacemakers or peace
builders and well they can do this in a context in which they do have a specific
context in which they do have a specific focus or they can do this in a very
focus or they can do this in a very silent and a very straightforward manner
silent and a very straightforward manner and when we prepared the session today I
and when we prepared the session today I was um saying to my colleagues, there
was um saying to my colleagues, there was a certain date in my life when I
was a certain date in my life when I considered was I whether I was a person
considered was I whether I was a person of conflict with dialogue. In other
of conflict with dialogue. In other words, somebody that wanted to remove
words, somebody that wanted to remove those rough edges and wanted to achieve
those rough edges and wanted to achieve a consensus again
a consensus again or was
or was I just um meeting up with people that
I just um meeting up with people that were more focused on conflicts, but I
were more focused on conflicts, but I wanted to focus on dialogue. So this is
wanted to focus on dialogue. So this is why
when driving forward on this initiative I believe that he was working as if he
I believe that he was working as if he were a lighthouse. He said okay well
were a lighthouse. He said okay well this is my place and this is what I have
this is my place and this is what I have to do but what I'm referring to
to do but what I'm referring to basically is that there are people that
basically is that there are people that are youngers that are the program that
are youngers that are the program that has to do with how we are in our
has to do with how we are in our environment. not about implementing
environment. not about implementing public policies, but it's about how we
public policies, but it's about how we behave and what we do in our
behave and what we do in our communities, in the social media, how we
communities, in the social media, how we interact with our colleagues, with our
interact with our colleagues, with our friends at high school and with our
friends at high school and with our families and they on the screen too.
families and they on the screen too. Um, our guests that I'd like them to
Um, our guests that I'd like them to explain why they feel that they are
explain why they feel that they are involved and why they feel that they've
involved and why they feel that they've been called upon to form part of this
been called upon to form part of this process. So, we're going to kick off
process. So, we're going to kick off with them and then I will remain silent.
with them and then I will remain silent. We're going to start with them so that
We're going to start with them so that they can break the ice as it were
they can break the ice as it were because you have a little bit more
because you have a little bit more knowledge and all three of you, Christ,
knowledge and all three of you, Christ, Kimberly, and
Kimberly, and Oriana and so that we have enough time
Oriana and so that we have enough time because there's lots of us here. So,
because there's lots of us here. So, it's six or seven minutes
it's six or seven minutes each. You can't see me and I'm turning
each. You can't see me and I'm turning to look at the screen because it makes
to look at the screen because it makes more sense, but at least you can hear
more sense, but at least you can hear me. So in six or seven minutes each you
me. So in six or seven minutes each you could um talk about your
could um talk about your experience in participating in this
experience in participating in this program how you arrived and how you did
program how you arrived and how you did things and what kind of experience
things and what kind of experience you've had until now regarding your own
you've had until now regarding your own personal development and in that context
personal development and in that context I would also possible perhaps you could
I would also possible perhaps you could focus your
focus your presentations on whether this program
presentations on whether this program has
brought about a network with young people from different geographic
people from different geographic abilities, although you people on screen
abilities, although you people on screen represent Latin
represent Latin America and then based on that internal
America and then based on that internal knowledge you have, what do you think
knowledge you have, what do you think the United Nations or the UNOC, how do
the United Nations or the UNOC, how do you think that this organization can
you think that this organization can help you in your work or so that your
help you in your work or so that your voice can be heard and recognized? And
voice can be heard and recognized? And I've also like to ask you and this is a
I've also like to ask you and this is a favor that I'm asking you people because
favor that I'm asking you people because whatever is international well it seems
whatever is international well it seems to be very far away from us and it seems
to be very far away from us and it seems that it's not that tangible either but
that it's not that tangible either but it is it's very tangible because if we
it is it's very tangible because if we if it were not for the international
if it were not for the international agendas many of the things that happen
agendas many of the things that happen in the world would never take place
in the world would never take place would never happen and if there were not
would never happen and if there were not amigatos who does what he does on a
amigatos who does what he does on a daily basis in many different locations
daily basis in many different locations our life perhaps wouldn't be as good as
our life perhaps wouldn't be as good as it right now and I know that it's
it right now and I know that it's difficult to understand but this is so
difficult to understand but this is so and what I would also like to add is
and what I would also like to add is apart from my colleagues that are with
apart from my colleagues that are with me at this session we also have other
me at this session we also have other young colleagues sitting in the room
young colleagues sitting in the room well perhaps you could also encourage
well perhaps you could also encourage them so that they can join this movement
them so that they can join this movement of young people for
of young people for peace because I have you first on the
peace because I have you first on the list then I'll give you the floor then
list then I'll give you the floor then so thank you very much
Thank you very much. My name is Kimberly Varios. Hello from Guatemala. There's an
Varios. Hello from Guatemala. There's an eight out difference. So, it's very
eight out difference. So, it's very early for me. But in any case, I'm
early for me. But in any case, I'm delighted to be with you today. And the
delighted to be with you today. And the truth is that this is a very very
truth is that this is a very very difficult question that would require a
difficult question that would require a very lengthy answer, but I'm afraid that
very lengthy answer, but I'm afraid that I've got very little time as you just
I've got very little time as you just pointed out. So, how would I'd like to
pointed out. So, how would I'd like to start off by telling you that I started
start off by telling you that I started at 17 years of age and I had no clue
at 17 years of age and I had no clue what was going on. I didn't know how to
what was going on. I didn't know how to participate or where to participate. I
participate or where to participate. I didn't have a clue on how to um foster
didn't have a clue on how to um foster peace because nobody taught me that at
peace because nobody taught me that at home or at school. So, I wanted to
home or at school. So, I wanted to implement a change, but I didn't really
implement a change, but I didn't really know how. So, what is it that changed my
know how. So, what is it that changed my mindset? Well, the volunteer movement in
mindset? Well, the volunteer movement in other words starting off with the youth
other words starting off with the youth movements and when I connected with more
movements and when I connected with more people through this space and that's
people through this space and that's when I thought okay what is it I'm doing
when I thought okay what is it I'm doing how can I live to improve my country and
how can I live to improve my country and that is started in my community in my
that is started in my community in my area and what was I doing when I was
area and what was I doing when I was watching the news when I saw that many
watching the news when I saw that many many things were happening around me and
many things were happening around me and as a young person you sometimes feel
as a young person you sometimes feel very tiny and you don't know what to do
very tiny and you don't know what to do because the world is collapsing around
because the world is collapsing around you so The volunteer movement made me
you so The volunteer movement made me change completely. It changed my mindset
change completely. It changed my mindset and my life because I started becoming
and my life because I started becoming involved in different volunteer spaces
involved in different volunteer spaces until 2020 when the pandemic came along
until 2020 when the pandemic came along and I was locked down without being able
and I was locked down without being able to go out and I was invited to form part
to go out and I was invited to form part of a non-governmental organization which
of a non-governmental organization which is
called and in this space art was the key
art was the key [Music]
[Music] elemental completely informal and being
elemental completely informal and being able to paint or being ble to create or
able to paint or being ble to create or they said to me, "Okay, look, this is
they said to me, "Okay, look, this is how we can create peace without having
how we can create peace without having to occupy major spaces or without having
to occupy major spaces or without having to be civil servants.
to be civil servants. But who can tell if you're a agent for
But who can tell if you're a agent for change or a peaceuilder?" Well, this is
change or a peaceuilder?" Well, this is something that becomes clear when you're
something that becomes clear when you're working with your friends. We started in
working with your friends. We started in 2020 with lots of other young people
2020 with lots of other young people from Guatemala and other places and we
from Guatemala and other places and we thought, okay, what is it we want to do
thought, okay, what is it we want to do exactly? And that is how we legalized
exactly? And that is how we legalized our organization and that's when we
our organization and that's when we started to think okay well I'm really
started to think okay well I'm really doing something that has potential but
doing something that has potential but how can you know that what you're doing
how can you know that what you're doing is okay and that what you're learning is
is okay and that what you're learning is all right and that is how we started off
all right and that is how we started off with questions and doubts but in any
with questions and doubts but in any case we wanted to make more progress and
case we wanted to make more progress and we wanted to become much better people
we wanted to become much better people and leaders and in 2023 I came across
and leaders and in 2023 I came across the peace builder project and well I saw
the peace builder project and well I saw a call on the social media and I said
a call on the social media and I said well why not apply and well nothing's
well why not apply and well nothing's going to happen if they say no and it
going to happen if they say no and it was an opportunity for me to learn more
was an opportunity for me to learn more from other people but above all it was
from other people but above all it was going to help me it's going to point out
going to help me it's going to point out look you're doing things very well in
look you're doing things very well in spite of the many doubts so we gave it
spite of the many doubts so we gave it lots of thought and we had lots of
lots of thought and we had lots of doubts but in any case it was an
doubts but in any case it was an opportunity that I was bumping into
And then we I joined the project which had transformed my life and I met people
had transformed my life and I met people from many parts of Latin America. But
from many parts of Latin America. But what I noticed that my country was
what I noticed that my country was suffering a lot and I had my own
suffering a lot and I had my own internal conflicts but this applied to
internal conflicts but this applied to other countries too. And as I was using
other countries too. And as I was using art to um transform my country there
art to um transform my country there were other people in Colombia, in
were other people in Colombia, in Mexico, in Honduras, in El Salvador.
Mexico, in Honduras, in El Salvador. They are all using other
They are all using other tools. For instance, they were using art
tools. For instance, they were using art in the digital world, a different kind
in the digital world, a different kind of art. They were also setting up secure
of art. They were also setting up secure spaces and we were all interconnected.
spaces and we were all interconnected. So knowledge was shared and we
So knowledge was shared and we discovered new things. And uh two years
discovered new things. And uh two years down the road, what I can say is that
down the road, what I can say is that this still has a big impact on my life
this still has a big impact on my life because we are still building this
because we are still building this network of knowledge with these change
network of knowledge with these change agents in the social media and it's
agents in the social media and it's great to see that my colleagues are
great to see that my colleagues are brilliant on Instagram and I told them
brilliant on Instagram and I told them about my existential doubts because of
about my existential doubts because of what's going on in my country and uh
what's going on in my country and uh there can be nothing better than sharing
there can be nothing better than sharing things with other friends and other
things with other friends and other colleagues who are living in other
colleagues who are living in other territories, people that have more
territories, people that have more experience
experience So I'm now learning a lot in this space
So I'm now learning a lot in this space through the digital channels because
through the digital channels because sometimes we still think that the
sometimes we still think that the incidents and we think that changes have
incidents and we think that changes have to be boring or very squared but the
to be boring or very squared but the truth is that we have transformed all of
truth is that we have transformed all of those things and we have overcome many
those things and we have overcome many barriers because we are working in a
barriers because we are working in a digital world where we can connect with
digital world where we can connect with each other regardless of our culture,
each other regardless of our culture, regardless of our language and
regardless of our language and regardless of where we come from. So we
regardless of where we come from. So we are creating what is really um
are creating what is really um useful. Peace is the absence of conflict
useful. Peace is the absence of conflict and the peace is all about respecting
and the peace is all about respecting human rights and equality and feeling
human rights and equality and feeling safe and secure. And this is something
safe and secure. And this is something that we're doing with projects that are
that we're doing with projects that are being led by young people for young
being led by young people for young people. And this is an opportunity that
people. And this is an opportunity that is opening up a lot and which at United
is opening up a lot and which at United Nations and that the UNOC is promoting
Nations and that the UNOC is promoting this creation of youth leaderships and
this creation of youth leaderships and which has allowed us to change our
which has allowed us to change our environments. But who knows what it is
environments. But who knows what it is we're going to be doing in the future.
we're going to be doing in the future. In other words, we're going to be taking
In other words, we're going to be taking much more significant steps and we'll be
much more significant steps and we'll be able to implement much more significant
able to implement much more significant decisions, reaching out to more younger
decisions, reaching out to more younger people, to more young
people, to more young people and establish a greater empathy
people and establish a greater empathy and do away with this idea of
and do away with this idea of polarization and say, "Look, from our
polarization and say, "Look, from our cultures and based on our learnings and
cultures and based on our learnings and based on our skills and based on the
based on our skills and based on the trust that we feel as young people that
trust that we feel as young people that are developing and learning, we are
are developing and learning, we are building lots of things and we're
building lots of things and we're building a world." And as I said before,
building a world." And as I said before, well, we young people um really focused
well, we young people um really focused on on idealism because we believe that
on on idealism because we believe that we can change our realities. And what
we can change our realities. And what I'm saying today is that we are getting
I'm saying today is that we are getting this done. It's I know that it's a minor
this done. It's I know that it's a minor contribution. These are very small
contribution. These are very small actions, but we are building major
actions, but we are building major transformative changes that in the
transformative changes that in the future will mean that we're going to
future will mean that we're going to have a world at peace where we can all
have a world at peace where we can all live together in great harmony and
live together in great harmony and happiness. And it's something that we
happiness. And it's something that we are really working hard to achieve in
are really working hard to achieve in all of our countries. One of these days
all of our countries. One of these days we're going to achieve this at an
we're going to achieve this at an international level too. That's what I
international level too. That's what I wanted to say. Thank you very much. And
wanted to say. Thank you very much. And I hope that I did not speak for too
I hope that I did not speak for too long.
long. [Applause]
[Applause] Kimberly, Kimberly, sorry that I didn't
Kimberly, Kimberly, sorry that I didn't introduce you. I didn't introduce you
introduce you. I didn't introduce you from Latin America as if Latin America
from Latin America as if Latin America was something completely unique. And
was something completely unique. And it's definitely not the case. This is a
it's definitely not the case. This is a region and it's a universe too of
region and it's a universe too of different realities and Kimy was
different realities and Kimy was speaking from
speaking from Guatemala and my apologies because I
Guatemala and my apologies because I didn't introduce you properly and I was
didn't introduce you properly and I was just
remembering my first trips to Latin America and that was to Central
America and that was to Central America and when you reach Salvador or
America and when you reach Salvador or Guatemala you notice the dimension of
Guatemala you notice the dimension of what violence is like what daily
what violence is like what daily violence is
like and how this DNA of how to fight against violence on the streets or
against violence on the streets or structural violence or how these
structural violence or how these conflicts become a priority for all of
conflicts become a priority for all of you young people and it's one of the
you young people and it's one of the things that you've had from the very
things that you've had from the very beginning in which you've grown up and
beginning in which you've grown up and I'm mentioning this too because of the
I'm mentioning this too because of the conversation that I was holding with
conversation that I was holding with colleagues here in the case of Elena who
colleagues here in the case of Elena who is here
is here from suffered and she has her own DNA
from suffered and she has her own DNA and like many many of us have not had
and like many many of us have not had that kind of experience we've not been
that kind of experience we've not been brought up in that kind of environment
brought up in that kind of environment so the work that you're doing is
so the work that you're doing is tremendously valuable so congratulations
tremendously valuable so congratulations for having dared to do so because you
for having dared to do so because you have to be daring you have to be
have to be daring you have to be courageous and then networking or in
courageous and then networking or in Latin America it would be wonderful to
Latin America it would be wonderful to have a networker
have a networker between and Europe and I'm now going to
between and Europe and I'm now going to give the floor to Oriana from
give the floor to Oriana from Venezuela who well we are fully aware of
Venezuela who well we are fully aware of the fact that as regards the
the fact that as regards the international sphere we are aware of the
international sphere we are aware of the difficulties that you people have been
difficulties that you people have been experiencing in recent months and years
experiencing in recent months and years and without um expressing any political
and without um expressing any political opinions here but it's very difficult
opinions here but it's very difficult too to be in a context where there's a
too to be in a context where there's a high degree of polarization
high degree of polarization I think that this program, this program
I think that this program, this program for young people based on dialogue,
for young people based on dialogue, young peacemakers is fundamental because
young peacemakers is fundamental because it's all about understanding where it is
it's all about understanding where it is we can find these bridges and it's all
we can find these bridges and it's all about understanding too. But the
about understanding too. But the conflict does exist and will exist in
conflict does exist and will exist in the future. It's something that we
the future. It's something that we mentioned this morning, but they have to
mentioned this morning, but they have to be what we call bridge persons. So, you
be what we call bridge persons. So, you have the floor and thank you very much
have the floor and thank you very much for coming for connecting. Thank you
for coming for connecting. Thank you very much because I'm very very grateful
very much because I'm very very grateful for the invitation
for the invitation for and I think that it's absolutely
for and I think that it's absolutely necessary so that we can converge and so
necessary so that we can converge and so that we can address these issues and
that we can address these issues and these very significant concepts such as
these very significant concepts such as peace and which could also transform our
peace and which could also transform our realities and especially the realities
realities and especially the realities of our communities. And I fully
of our communities. And I fully empathize with what Kimi was pointing
empathize with what Kimi was pointing out before. I think that many times that
out before. I think that many times that we have a similar discourse on how we
we have a similar discourse on how we can reach out to these leadership
can reach out to these leadership positions
positions which could assist us in our decision
which could assist us in our decision making
making processes either today or in the very
processes either today or in the very near
future. I've haven't got to as much experience as she has because
to as much experience as she has because I started in this journey after the
I started in this journey after the pandemic of course in 2022 and then we
pandemic of course in 2022 and then we have the issue of the social and
have the issue of the social and political reality of Venezuela which
political reality of Venezuela which obviously was one of the most
obviously was one of the most significant landmarks in my for my
significant landmarks in my for my decisions to become a leader and this
decisions to become a leader and this leadership is about changing the
leadership is about changing the realities of people because at the end
realities of people because at the end of the
of the day this is why I'm still working hard
day this is why I'm still working hard to achieve these goals. I want to um
to achieve these goals. I want to um transform the reality of people that are
transform the reality of people that are living in vulnerable situations. And as
living in vulnerable situations. And as a function of that, what I want to do is
a function of that, what I want to do is achieve a sustainable and durable p
achieve a sustainable and durable p peace because peace is not just the
peace because peace is not just the absence of conflict. Conflict is
absence of conflict. Conflict is necessary in life and nature of human
necessary in life and nature of human beings. And that's how we can solve
beings. And that's how we can solve problematic issues and we can find
problematic issues and we can find solutions. And we can also
achieve a goal that has to do with setting up generic solutions.
[Music] Although we know that here it's a slow
Although we know that here it's a slow process which means that we are taken to
process which means that we are taken to another extreme which sets us apart from
another extreme which sets us apart from the peace that heads to the path that
the peace that heads to the path that heads towards peace and peace is
heads towards peace and peace is something that is crosscutting.
something that is crosscutting. cross cutting in our lives and I think
cross cutting in our lives and I think that it shouldn't be the only goal that
that it shouldn't be the only goal that we have to
achieve but to the extent that we want to help society through these
to help society through these initiatives and these projects or they
initiatives and these projects or they could be the good should be based on a
could be the good should be based on a peace focus so that we can solve
conflicts. But always you have to be fully aware what
always you have to be fully aware what is causing that consequence and
is causing that consequence and sometimes it is not possible to do so.
sometimes it is not possible to do so. But in any case this is a bit of my
But in any case this is a bit of my background and I started working as a
background and I started working as a leader at the university because I
leader at the university because I believe that I could use my reality to
believe that I could use my reality to change the conditions or the environment
change the conditions or the environment in which I live. I'm come from a
in which I live. I'm come from a community that is economically very
community that is economically very vulnerable that is facing many many
vulnerable that is facing many many issues and this is my action space and
issues and this is my action space and where what I've tried to do is
where what I've tried to do is incentivate other people other young
incentivate other people other young people so that we can not necessarily
people so that we can not necessarily solve the problem but at least give
solve the problem but at least give those people the tools so that they can
those people the tools so that they can solve things as best as they possibly
solve things as best as they possibly can and that's when I noticed that well
can and that's when I noticed that well yes we are well it said that the we are
yes we are well it said that the we are individuals that in a global network. In
individuals that in a global network. In the case of these problems, we're
the case of these problems, we're dealing with very minor issues. But that
dealing with very minor issues. But that doesn't mean to say, of course, that the
doesn't mean to say, of course, that the solutions that we are going to
solutions that we are going to contribute towards society cannot be
contribute towards society cannot be transformed into major things. So, I
transformed into major things. So, I want let's say that I've kicked
want let's say that I've kicked off focus much more political issues as
off focus much more political issues as I said before and within the context of
I said before and within the context of Venezuela, which is a very
Venezuela, which is a very harsh. But then what I noticed is that
harsh. But then what I noticed is that citizens, we citizens can produce or
citizens, we citizens can produce or generate
generate value by organizing things in this
value by organizing things in this manner. We're talking about involving
manner. We're talking about involving civil society so that we can participate
civil society so that we can participate in lots of volunteer movements and uh we
in lots of volunteer movements and uh we said yes to everything to all the
said yes to everything to all the projects that were submitted to me
projects that were submitted to me because we were going to benefit lots of
because we were going to benefit lots of sectors in our society. grandparents,
sectors in our society. grandparents, children, women, and we went to schools
children, women, and we went to schools to hold experimental workshops and
to hold experimental workshops and things like that. So when you as a
things like that. So when you as a person, as a leader, when you um scale
person, as a leader, when you um scale up to reach a certain threshold, a time
up to reach a certain threshold, a time comes when you have to say, okay, what
comes when you have to say, okay, what else can I do to assist my community?
else can I do to assist my community? What other things can I give to my
What other things can I give to my community? innovative things that are
community? innovative things that are doing being done in other countries and
doing being done in other countries and that are up and running and that will
that are up and running and that will help me um set into motion initiatives
help me um set into motion initiatives that can give rise to best practices
that can give rise to best practices that I can replicate in
that I can replicate in Venezuela and at the end of
Venezuela and at the end of 2023 I was part of a program for
2023 I was part of a program for organized by the UN. I am very thankful
organized by the UN. I am very thankful and grateful for everyone I met and for
and grateful for everyone I met and for the experience and as my colleagues can
the experience and as my colleagues can also certify this is a beautiful network
also certify this is a beautiful network where we can contribute and generate
where we can contribute and generate value for Latin
value for Latin America. We met on several
America. We met on several occasions. Then we started working with
occasions. Then we started working with more people. We generated initiatives. I
more people. We generated initiatives. I was able to participate in other
was able to participate in other national and international
national and international um
um Venezuela environments but always with
Venezuela environments but always with the aim of focusing on bringing best
the aim of focusing on bringing best practices to Venezuela and I have one
practices to Venezuela and I have one minute last year I also worked on EOS of
minute last year I also worked on EOS of the youth a another beautiful project
the youth a another beautiful project where we wanted to get to know the ideas
where we wanted to get to know the ideas and perspectives
and perspectives of young Venezuelans regarding our
of young Venezuelans regarding our political reality because last year was
political reality because last year was complex years, specifically the last
complex years, specifically the last quarter of the year. And we
quarter of the year. And we organized working sessions where young
organized working sessions where young people from different communities would
people from different communities would generate solutions that they themselves
generate solutions that they themselves could implement in their spheres of
could implement in their spheres of actions. We had more than 70 young
actions. We had more than 70 young people participating and more uh
people participating and more uh projects were developed and we continue
projects were developed and we continue working on democracy, peace and my
working on democracy, peace and my advice for those of you that are
advice for those of you that are interested in this
interested in this path is that there's nothing better that
path is that there's nothing better that wanting to create positive
wanting to create positive transformation in your region, your
transformation in your region, your country and having people network a
country and having people network a support
support network opportunities are there and we
network opportunities are there and we have the responsibility of creating them
have the responsibility of creating them for ourselves and others and I hope I
for ourselves and others and I hope I stuck to the seven minutes and thank you
stuck to the seven minutes and thank you for your
for your [Applause]
5 in the afternoon here. We learned so much from your message and
We learned so much from your message and I'm very moved and even more moved when
I'm very moved and even more moved when you are able to have a conversation like
you are able to have a conversation like this one with you that have that spirit
this one with you that have that spirit that we don't lose even if we grow
that we don't lose even if we grow older. But at the end of the day is
older. But at the end of the day is should we do something or not? And the
should we do something or not? And the answer is yes. Maybe things don't go uh
answer is yes. Maybe things don't go uh well from the start, but at least there
well from the start, but at least there is a a lighthouse goal you want to get
is a a lighthouse goal you want to get to. And you believe that part of your
to. And you believe that part of your life is to try and make the lives of
life is to try and make the lives of others better.
others better. and in dialogue, peace and
and in dialogue, peace and transformation context when we talk
transformation context when we talk about the well-being of people. Well,
about the well-being of people. Well, there's nothing better than trying to
there's nothing better than trying to achieve this. So, thanks. Thanks for
achieve this. So, thanks. Thanks for your encouragement, but we need to
your encouragement, but we need to continue
continue encouraging and it's wonderful that you
encouraging and it's wonderful that you are ambassadors. And now, it's your
are ambassadors. And now, it's your turn.
turn. coming from
Chile, we some of us know really well the complexities of your history that is
the complexities of your history that is very much shared with Spain in some
very much shared with Spain in some aspects.
aspects. We would really like to hear about your
We would really like to hear about your personal experience, your experience in
personal experience, your experience in the program and the message you have for
the program and the message you have for the people here because there's lots of
the people here because there's lots of people here not only
the Here it's 11 in the morning so we are starting
are starting the morning.
the morning. We are starting the day and you're
We are starting the day and you're finishing with your day. But what's
finishing with your day. But what's important
important is
is to talk about what we want to talk
to talk about what we want to talk about. I am one of the young peace
about. I am one of the young peace builders or change makers. I am 24 years
builders or change makers. I am 24 years old. I come from Santiago.
old. I come from Santiago. I'm a young P builder from the
2020 and during that edition, the edition of
2023. I learned a lot, but I also come from the student movement. I don't know
from the student movement. I don't know if you're aware but the president of
if you're aware but the president of Chile nowadays also comes from the
Chile nowadays also comes from the students
students movement. All my career has been linked
movement. All my career has been linked with students and the student unions.
There is a problem beyond the human rights and what happened with the
rights and what happened with the dictatorship in Chile as well as all
dictatorship in Chile as well as all those
those exiled to Spain at that
exiled to Spain at that time. But there are other problems in
time. But there are other problems in Chile and in Latin America.
Chile and in Latin America. One of the complex elements
One of the complex elements in Chile is the issue of the Chilean
in Chile is the issue of the Chilean population. Sometimes we are not so
population. Sometimes we are not so tolerant with people from the region
tolerant with people from the region that come to Chile. So sometimes there's
that come to Chile. So sometimes there's xenophobia which is a complex issue.
xenophobia which is a complex issue. It's our reality, the reality of our
It's our reality, the reality of our country and we need to face
it. My parents immigrated to
Chile. And now I would like to talk about the UN and the agenda because I
about the UN and the agenda because I was born in Chile but many of the things
was born in Chile but many of the things that happened
are things that I saw as a child, things
child, things that people that didn't have Chilean
that people that didn't have Chilean appearance were
appearance were discriminated and this is something that
discriminated and this is something that I had to
I had to suffer or that I saw how my parents were
suffer or that I saw how my parents were suffering. I saw
suffering. I saw discrimination and painful
moments. So now I defend and the coming together of
defend and the coming together of countries in Latin America. We're very
countries in Latin America. We're very close to Spain because of our
inheritance, because of our cultural inheritance. So we could say we
are brother countries and all the issues
brother countries and all the issues regarding
regarding discrimination, xenophobia,
discrimination, xenophobia, discrimination of different kinds of
population, the discrimination to the indigenous people from Chile. When you
indigenous people from Chile. When you grow older, you start to be aware of how
grow older, you start to be aware of how somehow you need to change the mindset
somehow you need to change the mindset of new generations of the youth. And
of new generations of the youth. And that's why I started to be part of the
that's why I started to be part of the student movement in defending education.
student movement in defending education. But uh there I I started to be an
But uh there I I started to be an activist and in the UN I found myself
activist and in the UN I found myself connected with many people that were
connected with many people that were very different but people that wanted to
very different but people that wanted to make changes. We created a network with
make changes. We created a network with all the young people in Latin America
all the young people in Latin America that wanted to uh build peace. And this
that wanted to uh build peace. And this program gave me another vision because I
program gave me another vision because I observed how many things can be fought
observed how many things can be fought with peace and reconciliation and
with peace and reconciliation and forgiveness. Sometimes there is a also a
forgiveness. Sometimes there is a also a lack of apologizing.
So when we build bridges for peace, we have to build this bridges by also
have to build this bridges by also meeting the other and be able to be
meeting the other and be able to be reconciled with them which is something
reconciled with them which is something very important this program by eyes. I
very important this program by eyes. I met Kimberly also Pedro say hello if you
met Kimberly also Pedro say hello if you see
see him and he's from extra
Madura and the connections the ways in which we could create our relationship
which we could create our relationship allowed us to develop this projects and
allowed us to develop this projects and now we have organized a Congress for
now we have organized a Congress for peace in Chile including the
peace in Chile including the 30 agenda, sustainable
30 agenda, sustainable development and all leaders in Chile now
development and all leaders in Chile now can see solutions for different
can see solutions for different problematic areas in the country. It is
problematic areas in the country. It is very important to give the young people
very important to give the young people a voice because probably they will
a voice because probably they will become the new ministers, governors,
become the new ministers, governors, presidents, CEOs.
presidents, CEOs. [Music]
So I believe that authorities to try and see
see how train new generations for the future
how train new generations for the future of uh
of uh humankind. We have to see how we can
humankind. We have to see how we can educate those young people so that they
educate those young people so that they make the best decisions in the future
make the best decisions in the future and they don't make the mistakes we've
and they don't make the mistakes we've made in the past. And I have 10 more
made in the past. And I have 10 more seconds. I want to say to the young
seconds. I want to say to the young people uh
people uh here that it's important to do things
here that it's important to do things and do things for the well-being of
and do things for the well-being of others of the community and also uh
others of the community and also uh thinking about how we want our future to
thinking about how we want our future to be in the next 10, 15, 20 years. Thank
be in the next 10, 15, 20 years. Thank you.
much. My takeaway are three uh words that you use which are
that you use which are reconciliation,
reconciliation, negotiation, I believe you said that and
negotiation, I believe you said that and also
also [Music]
[Music] dialogue. And before continuing with the
panel, I would like to go back to the book that was just published by Luis
book that was just published by Luis Rodriguez Tapato, former president of
Rodriguez Tapato, former president of the Spanish government, president of the
the Spanish government, president of the government together with
government together with Moradinos enhanced the alliance of
Moradinos enhanced the alliance of civilizations and talked about peaceful
civilizations and talked about peaceful resolutions. questions. Of course, I'm a
resolutions. questions. Of course, I'm a fan and I recommend his book. I say a
fan and I recommend his book. I say a political uh fan, someone that taught
political uh fan, someone that taught this country that he should be our
this country that he should be our lighthouse and dialogue should allow
lighthouse and dialogue should allow us to move forward when it's not has not
us to move forward when it's not has not always been easy in this country. In the
always been easy in this country. In the first chapter, he talks about the art of
first chapter, he talks about the art of peace, which I believe is a wonderful
peace, which I believe is a wonderful expression. And in this chapter, he
expression. And in this chapter, he speaks about the time of
speaks about the time of peacemakers, your
peacemakers, your peaceuilders that I wanted to read, if
peaceuilders that I wanted to read, if you will allow
you will allow me. Let's see if I can find the
me. Let's see if I can find the page. And I will read from the book. And
page. And I will read from the book. And I think this is something
beautiful for you and that will allow us to keep
to keep talking. Peacemakers building peace is
talking. Peacemakers building peace is the most intense way of working as a
the most intense way of working as a democrat. You guarantee rights in a
democrat. You guarantee rights in a specific way for coexistence from the
specific way for coexistence from the certainty that coexistence will be
certainty that coexistence will be impossible when there is violence.
impossible when there is violence. Therefore, democracy and peace are born
Therefore, democracy and peace are born from the same wish having the adequate
from the same wish having the adequate model to
model to coexist. And I would like to add
coexist. And I would like to add something also quoting Mr. Tapato's
something also quoting Mr. Tapato's book. The mediator must understand that
book. The mediator must understand that most of the times he or she will feel
most of the times he or she will feel fail but in any case he or she will
fail but in any case he or she will persevere. you won't uh achieve a peace
persevere. you won't uh achieve a peace nor on the first or nor second
nor on the first or nor second attempt. So, thank you. Thank you for
attempt. So, thank you. Thank you for your
your perseverance and a big round of applause
perseverance and a big round of applause for you
for you [Applause]
all. We're doing quite well with time. So, thank you for that. And now we come
So, thank you for that. And now we come back here to the
back here to the And this is spaces for you to reflect
And this is spaces for you to reflect and feel make proposals. And now I would
and feel make proposals. And now I would like to focus on something that is quite
like to focus on something that is quite fundamental. It's not a theoretical
fundamental. It's not a theoretical exercise. It's more a personal and
exercise. It's more a personal and emotional exercise. Before giving the
emotional exercise. Before giving the floor to our colleagues from the Antonio
floor to our colleagues from the Antonio Mat High School, we are lucky enough to
Mat High School, we are lucky enough to have someone from here from Gika from
have someone from here from Gika from this city.
this city. And that is so important for
And that is so important for peace.
peace. And today we start commemorating this
And today we start commemorating this important date. But
important date. But Elena, we talked about the session
Elena, we talked about the session before. We talked about how important it
before. We talked about how important it is to address the challenges, the
is to address the challenges, the current
current challenges that I said before are linked
challenges that I said before are linked to young people.
to young people. And what is the conversation amongst
And what is the conversation amongst young people from different communities
young people from different communities and also those context that have to do
and also those context that have to do with where you do things in a more
with where you do things in a more intense manner as young people which is
intense manner as young people which is the space of social media and how you
the space of social media and how you can also build peace in social media. So
can also build peace in social media. So Elena I give you uh the floor. You're
Elena I give you uh the floor. You're free to tell us whatever you want to
free to tell us whatever you want to tell us before we start talking with the
tell us before we start talking with the other
panelists. Elena is saying a few words in Basque and she will repeat them in
in Basque and she will repeat them in Spanish and then we will interpret for
Spanish and then we will interpret for you. So unfortunately there's no Basque
you. So unfortunately there's no Basque interpretation today. Bear with us.
Yes, Hana. We talked before about responsibility. My responsibility not
responsibility. My responsibility not only because I'm from this town, because
only because I'm from this town, because I'm also a woman, a young woman. So, on
I'm also a woman, a young woman. So, on behalf of whom am I
behalf of whom am I speaking? And I would like to go back to
speaking? And I would like to go back to what we were saying before and how
what we were saying before and how sometimes we talked about youth as a one
sometimes we talked about youth as a one and not the plural
and not the plural youths because when we saw was going to
youths because when we saw was going to be in this panel we can see that we
be in this panel we can see that we represent many different youths. The
represent many different youths. The context of
context of Shaia Orana and Cresente is very
Shaia Orana and Cresente is very different. We represent different
different. We represent different [Music]
[Music] people. I also see in myself
people. I also see in myself specifically as a young
specifically as a young person and a teacher and my
person and a teacher and my responsibility is not the same as yours.
responsibility is not the same as yours. But still we treat the youth and
But still we treat the youth and singular with all that this
needs. This is generated in me um a different feelings sometimes opposite
different feelings sometimes opposite feelings. So taking this as the starting
feelings. So taking this as the starting point, I would like to say that we are
point, I would like to say that we are part of this youth that understands that
part of this youth that understands that we cannot all be global leaders like the
we cannot all be global leaders like the three examples we had today. Those
three examples we had today. Those leaders that want to change absolutely
leaders that want to change absolutely everything. First of all, we need to
everything. First of all, we need to recognize that it's not a reality, but
recognize that it's not a reality, but this opens up other doors and
this opens up other doors and possibilities because we can all be
possibilities because we can all be change makers. We can be agents of
change makers. We can be agents of change and we can all contribute in our
change and we can all contribute in our own lives or whatever our age or the
own lives or whatever our age or the uh situation in which we live. Of
uh situation in which we live. Of course, context limits us and we are not
course, context limits us and we are not only
only addressing the young people in the way
addressing the young people in the way which they need. I believe that
which they need. I believe that now there's a difference
now there's a difference or
or smaller gaps
smaller gaps between ages. Maybe I could communicate
between ages. Maybe I could communicate better with someone that is 10 years
better with someone that is 10 years older than me than 5 years younger. and
older than me than 5 years younger. and you will probably use a vocabulary that
you will probably use a vocabulary that I don't know that well. So we need to be
I don't know that well. So we need to be aware of this and we need to understand
aware of this and we need to understand how we send messages so that the
how we send messages so that the responsibility of the young people is
responsibility of the young people is not al not also implies the
not al not also implies the responsibility of understanding specific
responsibility of understanding specific terminology and I would also like to
terminology and I would also like to speak about the big or gigantic hurdle
speak about the big or gigantic hurdle of the limitation of social media.
of the limitation of social media. far away from being an enhancing tool
far away from being an enhancing tool and this might sound topical but if you
and this might sound topical but if you are in the wrong algorithm it is very
are in the wrong algorithm it is very difficult to move away from there. So
difficult to move away from there. So what are the messages we're sending out
what are the messages we're sending out to young people and how do we generate
to young people and how do we generate critical
critical thinking more
thinking more specifically if we talk about someone
specifically if we talk about someone like or myself that are in a stage where
like or myself that are in a stage where there's no more education and we need to
there's no more education and we need to decide what we want to learn. Sometimes
decide what we want to learn. Sometimes all the resources are not there for us
all the resources are not there for us to take while at the same time we have
to take while at the same time we have responsibility with others in my case as
responsibility with others in my case as a teacher in the case of because we're
a teacher in the case of because we're more or less the same age as a leader of
more or less the same age as a leader of the future. So, are we given the tools
the future. So, are we given the tools to be able to break the uh barrier of
to be able to break the uh barrier of algorithms because we belong to a
algorithms because we belong to a generation in which you're scrolling in
generation in which you're scrolling in your screen and you see a a very clear
your screen and you see a a very clear genocide or a recipe of a patai in one
genocide or a recipe of a patai in one second. So
second. So somehow we are anesticized to what is
somehow we are anesticized to what is happening globally because of this way
happening globally because of this way of receiving the
news. And of course each one of us has his or her own responsibility. But
his or her own responsibility. But there's also other syndromes that are
there's also other syndromes that are arising from this. like for example echo
arising from this. like for example echo anxiety which is something affecting
anxiety which is something affecting those young people feeling responsible
those young people feeling responsible for what other previous generations did
for what other previous generations did and there's many elements that are not
and there's many elements that are not uh talked about for example youth taken
uh talked about for example youth taken as a a one only thing when there's so
as a a one only thing when there's so much diversity or even today we have a
much diversity or even today we have a whole morning with many diverse agents
whole morning with many diverse agents that from
that from their background
their background [Music]
[Music] give us their view and then here we have
give us their view and then here we have all these different young people that
all these different young people that probably don't have a common
probably don't have a common perspective. It will take us really long
perspective. It will take us really long to be able to get there. So when
to be able to get there. So when I saw that we were going to talk about
I saw that we were going to talk about young voices, I wanted to make sure that
young voices, I wanted to make sure that everyone understood that we are many
everyone understood that we are many different have many different voices.
different have many different voices. There's many different youth voices and
There's many different youth voices and of course we have our responsibilities
of course we have our responsibilities but there are also limitations to this
but there are also limitations to this [Applause]
[Applause] responsibilities. Should we tell the
responsibilities. Should we tell the anecdote of how we
anecdote of how we met? We met by
met? We met by chance. Not by chance. you were going to
chance. Not by chance. you were going to participate but we were in a specific
participate but we were in a specific place and Elena was there and I said
place and Elena was there and I said Elena Hana and then we started
Elena Hana and then we started talking and then we stayed
together and what you wanted to add to this
and what you wanted to add to this discussion is really important because
discussion is really important because if at
if at least
I didn't think about this but I think it really makes sense to see that how these
really makes sense to see that how these young people have different demands and
young people have different demands and different knowhow too as well as
different knowhow too as well as different life experience. That is true
different life experience. That is true and you explained this very well, very
and you explained this very well, very clearly how you can adapt to a
clearly how you can adapt to a conversation with someone that is older
conversation with someone that is older but it's more difficult more difficult
but it's more difficult more difficult regarding connection. I mean to connect
regarding connection. I mean to connect with people that are even younger that
with people that are even younger that have a more open mind or that have
have a more open mind or that have evolved differently which of course is
evolved differently which of course is great but it's difficult to have a
great but it's difficult to have a conversation and to have this
conversation and to have this intergenerational dialogue. And now we
intergenerational dialogue. And now we go on to the young and very well
go on to the young and very well educated and trained uh people that
educated and trained uh people that we've
um have participating with us today. I think it's going to be worthwhile.
think it's going to be worthwhile. There's some pressure but this is an
There's some pressure but this is an exercise of reflection. You can talk
exercise of reflection. You can talk about what you feel, what you think. And
about what you feel, what you think. And the aim of this session, the goal was to
the aim of this session, the goal was to listen to each other, to understand and
listen to each other, to understand and to learn from each other. So zero fear
to learn from each other. So zero fear from uh to criticism. We need to be
from uh to criticism. We need to be critical even if sometimes we don't
critical even if sometimes we don't understand what you're saying, but we
understand what you're saying, but we have to do whatever possible to
have to do whatever possible to understand each other.
understand each other. So here we have the three students from
So here we have the three students from the Antonio Matad High
the Antonio Matad High School and this is the final uh round. I
School and this is the final uh round. I think we're doing quite well on time. Is
think we're doing quite well on time. Is that
okay? There are questions that seem to be obvious but aren't. And maybe many of
be obvious but aren't. And maybe many of you maybe of you in the room have asked
you maybe of you in the room have asked yourselves these questions or asked them
yourselves these questions or asked them uh in the past or have stopped asking
uh in the past or have stopped asking this question. I must confess when I was
this question. I must confess when I was preparing the session with them. I asked
preparing the session with them. I asked myself uh how long ago ago did I ask
myself uh how long ago ago did I ask myself what peace means to me? Because
myself what peace means to me? Because it's not always easy to express. It's
it's not always easy to express. It's like saying I love you. You need to say
like saying I love you. You need to say it. You need to say the
it. You need to say the words.
So I'm going to ask this simple questions that I hope you can answer in
questions that I hope you can answer in the calm
the calm manner because I said the most difficult
manner because I said the most difficult audience for me is young people and for
audience for me is young people and for all these authorities and people that
all these authorities and people that you believe are important. You're also
you believe are important. You're also the most difficult audience too because
the most difficult audience too because we need to reach out to you. So the
we need to reach out to you. So the question I was asking before is what is
question I was asking before is what is the meaning of a piece for you in your
the meaning of a piece for you in your lives in your history in your cultural
lives in your history in your cultural context in your families in your high
context in your families in your high school? If you believe this is a part of
school? If you believe this is a part of your life, do you practice it in an
your life, do you practice it in an conscious or unconscious manner? And
conscious or unconscious manner? And mainly and if you want
to do you believe that your voice has to be expressed because without your voices
be expressed because without your voices things won't progress. We can design
things won't progress. We can design thousands of things but at the end of
thousands of things but at the end of the day you are the main change makers
the day you are the main change makers for the future and that's why you are
for the future and that's why you are here and I hope tomorrow you remember
here and I hope tomorrow you remember this moment as a interesting moment of
this moment as a interesting moment of your lives at least but this is for you
your lives at least but this is for you to simply reflect on the idea of peace
to simply reflect on the idea of peace and if you have any requests any
and if you have any requests any demands if you want to say As young
demands if you want to say As young people, we would need this to feel part
people, we would need this to feel part of the movement. We will take note of
of the movement. We will take note of that. So, we would finish the
that. So, we would finish the uh this round with this and we are going
uh this round with this and we are going to start with Deia. Deia, you have the
to start with Deia. Deia, you have the floor. Well, good afternoon everyone.
floor. Well, good afternoon everyone. First of all, thank you. Thank you for
First of all, thank you. Thank you for inviting us and for making this event
inviting us and for making this event possible from our school. We would like
possible from our school. We would like to say thank you for it's an honor to be
to say thank you for it's an honor to be here with people that fight for peace
here with people that fight for peace and in general terms that fight so that
and in general terms that fight so that we can all coexist and respect each
we can all coexist and respect each other.
other. First of all, I would like to underline
First of all, I would like to underline what you said regarding we can all be
what you said regarding we can all be change
change makers. I think it represents our
makers. I think it represents our reality. A small action in your daily
reality. A small action in your daily life is a change. Sometimes we believe
life is a change. Sometimes we believe we need to start with the big h actions
we need to start with the big h actions but really with the small ones you're
but really with the small ones you're already contributing. I also very much
already contributing. I also very much agree with what you said regarding the
agree with what you said regarding the different youths. We are all young and
different youths. We are all young and are part of the youth but there's
are part of the youth but there's different uh ways of seeing the world.
different uh ways of seeing the world. We are young but we are different and we
We are young but we are different and we each have a different backgrounds and
each have a different backgrounds and experiences. It is fundamental for us
experiences. It is fundamental for us young people to uh have a voice. What
young people to uh have a voice. What we're trying to do now is to try and
we're trying to do now is to try and improve the world. Why are we doing
improve the world. Why are we doing this? Because at the end of the day,
this? Because at the end of the day, this is what we will be inheriting. And
this is what we will be inheriting. And not only us, but also our children. and
not only us, but also our children. and the children of our children and all
the children of our children and all those generations that will come uh
those generations that will come uh after. So our ideas, our
after. So our ideas, our dreams also need to be taken into
dreams also need to be taken into account and we need to be able to know
account and we need to be able to know how to express them in the best way
how to express them in the best way possible so that we can be understood.
So what I think is that we can also present new
think is that we can also present new takes or new perspectives which perhaps
takes or new perspectives which perhaps are things that you cannot see in other
are things that you cannot see in other civilizations because they've uh
civilizations because they've uh experienced other kinds of events. And
experienced other kinds of events. And for me the piece is all about managing
for me the piece is all about managing to coexist with everybody else. Let's
to coexist with everybody else. Let's have a round of applause for this young
have a round of applause for this young lady, please.
Okay. Well, let's move on to you now. What is peace from your point of
now. What is peace from your point of view? Because you were saying to me
view? Because you were saying to me before, well, I think that this issue of
before, well, I think that this issue of the voice of the young people is an
the voice of the young people is an important subject. So, please um let's
important subject. So, please um let's see what you have to say about this.
see what you have to say about this. Well, good afternoon and thank you for
Well, good afternoon and thank you for offering the opportunity to be here this
offering the opportunity to be here this afternoon. We young people have a
afternoon. We young people have a completely different mindset as my
completely different mindset as my colleague pointed out. And through
colleague pointed out. And through actions like activism or through the
actions like activism or through the volunteer movements, we are acquiring
volunteer movements, we are acquiring new skills and
new skills and competencies such as for instance
competencies such as for instance communication or team work. And we even
communication or team work. And we even learn to develop a critical kind of
learn to develop a critical kind of thought that helps us forge new opinions
thought that helps us forge new opinions and reflections on those things that we
and reflections on those things that we perhaps had not thought about
perhaps had not thought about previously.
previously. Because all of these opinions have to be
Because all of these opinions have to be taken into account when you take a
taken into account when you take a decision because peace peace is force
decision because peace peace is force that allows us to head towards the
that allows us to head towards the future in our society. And that's all
future in our society. And that's all from me. Thank you.
from me. Thank you. Great. Wonderful.
We finished with our We're going to finish this with our last participant
finish this with our last participant with Shada from high school and she's
with Shada from high school and she's going to explain what peace is from her
going to explain what peace is from her perspective. Well, firstly, good
perspective. Well, firstly, good afternoon everybody.
Thanks for offering us the opportunity to be here and uh what I I
to be here and uh what I I consider as regards to what my
consider as regards to what my colleagues mentioned previously for me
colleagues mentioned previously for me peace is all about the absence of
peace is all about the absence of conflict and the presence of harmony in
conflict and the presence of harmony in countries as well as in society at
countries as well as in society at large. For instance, at our high school,
large. For instance, at our high school, we have several mediator students in
we have several mediator students in different terms.
different terms. Whenever there's conflict, they help
Whenever there's conflict, they help solve
solve it. On the other hand, I also consider
it. On the other hand, I also consider that we could avoid
that we could avoid messages on social media and empathize
messages on social media and empathize more with other
people so that these messages are not harmful. And finally and on behalf of
harmful. And finally and on behalf of our high school Antonio I would like to
our high school Antonio I would like to thank our mayor in SA for giving us the
thank our mayor in SA for giving us the opportunity to be here today. Thank you
opportunity to be here today. Thank you very
very [Applause]
much. Many many many thanks for speaking. We have a few minutes left.
speaking. We have a few minutes left. See it's a question. Yes we do. just a
See it's a question. Yes we do. just a little bit. Okay.
little bit. Okay. Because we've already done what we're
Because we've already done what we're supposed to do and now it's a bit of a
supposed to do and now it's a bit of a mess now, but it's it's just a minor
mess now, but it's it's just a minor mess. Okay. Especially Well, it's this
mess. Okay. Especially Well, it's this is for you three. And this is a very
is for you three. And this is a very straightforward question and now that
straightforward question and now that this is over and done with and now that
this is over and done with and now that you're no longer stressed, are you glad
you're no longer stressed, are you glad to have joined us on the panel
to have joined us on the panel discussion?
Are you happy about that? Are you happy about your participation
about your participation now? Now that things are nice and calm
now? Now that things are nice and calm again and now just imagine that nobody's
again and now just imagine that nobody's listening to us anymore. Yes, I think
listening to us anymore. Yes, I think so. Because after
so. Because after all the fact that we can organize
all the fact that we can organize activities of this kind, initiatives
activities of this kind, initiatives that have a very good weight, it might
that have a very good weight, it might seem otherwise and they make us also
seem otherwise and they make us also think about what it is we are doing
think about what it is we are doing exactly and what is it we want to do in
exactly and what is it we want to do in the
the future. Because knowing what the past
future. Because knowing what the past was like and also knowing what's going
was like and also knowing what's going on at this uh point in time with all of
on at this uh point in time with all of the means that we know about we can
the means that we know about we can definitely make a contribution towards
definitely make a contribution towards building a future that will be much
building a future that will be much better for everybody. And uh for me the
better for everybody. And uh for me the fact that we have opportunities of this
fact that we have opportunities of this kind is something incredible. Not only
kind is something incredible. Not only because of the fact that these are
because of the fact that these are discussions and that many many people
discussions and that many many people can have access to these discussions but
can have access to these discussions but also think because you learn lots of
also think because you learn lots of things when you look at things from this
things when you look at things from this perspective and it's very beautiful and
perspective and it's very beautiful and it's also very significant because in
it's also very significant because in many times and thanks to activities of
many times and thanks to activities of this
this kind we we do is that we notice is that
kind we we do is that we notice is that yes we can get things and and I want to
yes we can get things and and I want to join a volunteer movement by the way.
join a volunteer movement by the way. But from my perspective, I think that
But from my perspective, I think that all of this is incredible.
Does anybody want to join the program? Does do you want to join anybody here to
Does do you want to join anybody here to join in the upcoming program? Well,
join in the upcoming program? Well, let's say that after all I'm have um
let's say that after all I'm have um some people some of my colleagues are
some people some of my colleagues are working as volunteers and this for me is
working as volunteers and this for me is like another
like another step in what has to do with what I enjoy
step in what has to do with what I enjoy doing really and that is it's all about
doing really and that is it's all about trying to solve things properly and it's
trying to solve things properly and it's all about seeing that if there's a
all about seeing that if there's a conflict well obviously they do exist
conflict well obviously they do exist and it's good for there to be conflicts
and it's good for there to be conflicts that they be solved properly and that
that they be solved properly and that they not be solved by resorting to
they not be solved by resorting to violence. And I'm not only talking about
violence. And I'm not only talking about physical violence, but I'm also
physical violence, but I'm also referring to verbal violence. And for
referring to verbal violence. And for me, this is an impressive initiative.
me, this is an impressive initiative. Thank you very much. Let's have a round
Thank you very much. Let's have a round of applause for our friend. Thank you.
You don't have to answer if you don't want to. Okay. Well, you know,
want to. Okay. Well, you know, if you want to answer, yes. Yes, you do.
if you want to answer, yes. Yes, you do. Well, I found that this discussion is a
Well, I found that this discussion is a completely new and different experience.
completely new and different experience. And it's important for there to be
And it's important for there to be discussions of this kind because as my
discussions of this kind because as my colleague said, it's important for us to
colleague said, it's important for us to get to know the conflicts that are
get to know the conflicts that are taking place right now and also learn
taking place right now and also learn more about the organizations that are
more about the organizations that are there to promote peace because many
there to promote peace because many times we forget about what kinds of
times we forget about what kinds of means are used to mediate in a conflict
means are used to mediate in a conflict but we just say that okay that they
but we just say that okay that they exist but we don't really become
exist but we don't really become involved in anything. And I found that
involved in anything. And I found that this is a way of getting to know things
this is a way of getting to know things and discovering different ways of
and discovering different ways of approaching peace and conflicts, of
approaching peace and conflicts, of becoming aware of what is going on
becoming aware of what is going on because these are things that sometimes
because these are things that sometimes we don't see in our daily lives. This
we don't see in our daily lives. This was explained perfectly well by Elena.
was explained perfectly well by Elena. When we lose somebody that is guiding
When we lose somebody that is guiding us, you are either active to want to see
us, you are either active to want to see what the peaceful solutions are like and
what the peaceful solutions are like and to see that there are lots of good
to see that there are lots of good people doing very good things, but let's
people doing very good things, but let's say that the media doesn't really help
say that the media doesn't really help us a lot. And I like what you said about
us a lot. And I like what you said about scrolling through things and you're
scrolling through things and you're seeing a horrible picture and all of a
seeing a horrible picture and all of a sudden you come across an outfit that
sudden you come across an outfit that you like or a recipe too on the same
you like or a recipe too on the same page and that's absolute madness. But in
page and that's absolute madness. But in any case, it's very important to talk
any case, it's very important to talk about. She would you like to say
about. She would you like to say something?
something? Well, yes, I agree in with all of what
Well, yes, I agree in with all of what my colleagues have just pointed out.
my colleagues have just pointed out. It's important to know what's going on
It's important to know what's going on with these conflicts to try to do
with these conflicts to try to do something to prevent them prevent them
something to prevent them prevent them from happening in the future. And little
from happening in the future. And little more can I say about this. Thank you.
questions, please. But do you have a microphone, please, so that we can hear
microphone, please, so that we can hear what you have to say? Because otherwise,
what you have to say? Because otherwise, we won't be able to hear you. So, please
we won't be able to hear you. So, please raise your hand.
raise your hand. They're not using a microphone, so I'm
They're not using a microphone, so I'm afraid that we cannot hear what's being
afraid that we cannot hear what's being said in the in the auditorium. Now, just
said in the in the auditorium. Now, just hold on a minute. N's coming your way
hold on a minute. N's coming your way with a microphone, and you can use it to
with a microphone, and you can use it to ask your question.
ask your question. Yes. Yes. What you said that at your
Yes. Yes. What you said that at your high school there are mediators too to
high school there are mediators too to solve conflicts, right? That you have
solve conflicts, right? That you have five not mistaken. You have five
five not mistaken. You have five mediators or how many do you have? Well,
mediators or how many do you have? Well, quite a few but in different forms.
quite a few but in different forms. Well, it depends on depends on the level
Well, it depends on depends on the level of studies involved. Well, let's say
of studies involved. Well, let's say that our high school is the Antonio
that our high school is the Antonio Machado High School and we have
Machado High School and we have mediators at the secondary education
mediators at the secondary education level and if there's any conflict or if
level and if there's any conflict or if uh there's any difference of opinion
uh there's any difference of opinion especially between students what they do
especially between students what they do is intervene so that these conflicts can
is intervene so that these conflicts can be solved as best as possible or as
be solved as best as possible or as peaceful and as uh and friendly in
peaceful and as uh and friendly in possible and I think that this is an
possible and I think that this is an initi ative that should be adopted by
initi ative that should be adopted by all high
all high schools and this is done in second,
schools and this is done in second, third and fourth year of basic
third and fourth year of basic education. And how are these mediators
education. And how are these mediators appointed or chosen?
appointed or chosen? [Music]
[Music] All the people first um volunteer for
All the people first um volunteer for the position
the position and they become mediators and what you
and they become mediators and what you do well with these volunteers you work
do well with these volunteers you work with them and they receive a specific
with them and they receive a specific kind of
kind of training. First they're given they're
training. First they're given they're given a presentation and then they
given a presentation and then they receive training and that from that
receive training and that from that moment onwards that they can apply what
moment onwards that they can apply what they've learned to the conflicts because
they've learned to the conflicts because it's not easy to deal with people like
it's not easy to deal with people like us.
But after receiving the training, I think that they are totally able to deal
think that they are totally able to deal with these situations. Okay, wonderful.
with these situations. Okay, wonderful. Thank you very much for the answer.
Thank you very much for the answer. Thank you. Any more
Thank you. Any more [Applause]
questions? Okay. So, we've had a great time, haven't we?
time, haven't we? Okay. I suppose that you want to repeat
Okay. I suppose that you want to repeat one of these days. I know we mentioned
one of these days. I know we mentioned that before. We're going to close the
that before. We're going to close the session here and dear dear participants
session here and dear dear participants over the internet those of you that are
over the internet those of you that are connected it's very early in your
connected it's very early in your countries thanks many thanks for your
countries thanks many thanks for your effort it's also be a great honor to
effort it's also be a great honor to meet
you and thank you thank you all very much indeed for being so clear and also
much indeed for being so clear and also for being so full of hope and also thank
for being so full of hope and also thank you for being critical too because we
you for being critical too because we have to bear in mind your criticisms and
have to bear in mind your criticisms and once again we are in Gnika it's a very
once again we are in Gnika it's a very important place where
important place where we remember what happened years ago and
we remember what happened years ago and I think it's a wonderful place to send
I think it's a wonderful place to send out a message to the rest of the world
out a message to the rest of the world and in this case then that is that young
and in this case then that is that young people don't expect things to change but
people don't expect things to change but you change things and even if you don't
you change things and even if you don't notice that you're changing things but
notice that you're changing things but by the time you notice that you have
by the time you notice that you have changed things you'll definitely see
changed things you'll definitely see that it is worthwhile to put your takes
that it is worthwhile to put your takes on peace and
coexistence. So don't forget about the algorithm that only produces despair and
algorithm that only produces despair and that feels us very uncomfortable from
that feels us very uncomfortable from the personal front. Of course there is
the personal front. Of course there is personal discomfort but there's lots of
personal discomfort but there's lots of hope because there's lots of very good
hope because there's lots of very good people doing good things too. Your
people doing good things too. Your teachers and your principal. Let's have
teachers and your principal. Let's have a round of applause too
a round of applause too for Miguel please. Let's have a big
for Miguel please. Let's have a big round of applause for these three
round of applause for these three [Applause]
people. Another applause for the
applause for the super. Let's have a big round of
super. Let's have a big round of applause for Gadlos. Don't hide now.
applause for Gadlos. Don't hide now. This is for you this applause.
This is for you this applause. And I think that what we have shared
And I think that what we have shared today, well, this is the final session
today, well, this is the final session because now we have the projection of
because now we have the projection of the film not only on this panel but also
the film not only on this panel but also on the previous panels that were super
on the previous panels that were super beautiful, super inspirational. We've
beautiful, super inspirational. We've learned a lot and I'm now going to leave
learned a lot and I'm now going to leave with a tremendous amount of positive
with a tremendous amount of positive energy. Although there's always um
energy. Although there's always um ingenuity that you shouldn't lose and
ingenuity that you shouldn't lose and I'm now 47 and I haven't lost my
I'm now 47 and I haven't lost my ingenuity and I'm not going to lose it
ingenuity and I'm not going to lose it either. And here we have the example
either. And here we have the example [Music]
[Music] of this is a call for peace but it's a
of this is a call for peace but it's a very quiet call although firm call for
very quiet call although firm call for peace too. So, thank you very much to
peace too. So, thank you very much to all of you people that have attended the
all of you people that have attended the session. Thank you.
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