All Religions Advocate Peace: Indonesian VP

Seoul (Antara Bali) - Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla delivered a speech at the third World Summit on Peace, Security and Human Development here, Friday, affirming that all religions preach peace, which is a prime necessity for all humankind.

"All people need peace, and adherents of different faiths always start their meetings or negotiations with greetings of peace," he told the summit's participants.

Muslims all over the world say "Assalamualaikum", which means "peace be upon you," while Christians greet "Salom," which relatively shares the same message, Kalla stated.

He further pointed out that peace is a harmony that is not only necessary for humankind and interstate relations but also important for the relationship between human beings and nature.

"Living in harmony with nature is of utmost importance as we can avoid the negative impacts of climate change and can help us achieve food security," he emphasized.

Failing to live in harmony with nature would result in disasters, he informed the participants of the summit, organized by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Meanwhile, speaking at the summit's opening session, Chairman of Sunhak Peace Prize Il Sik Hong noted that the focus has shifted from ending wars and violence prior to the 21st century to coping with natural disasters, climate change, shortage of energy, and several diseases in this century.

As a result of our endless pursuit to achieve economic development, the earth tends to become more polluted and suffer from environmental damage, he said, adding that world leaders can play a key role in creating and maintaining peace, realizing food security, and halting the destruction caused by climate change.

The World Summit 2015 being held in Seoul, South Korea, on August 27-31, is co-sponsored by the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee.  (WDY)