We [I] would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather and work is the traditional and unceded territory of Coast Salish Peoples, specifically the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen First Nations.
Together We Can Achieve Lasting Peace
““In view of the fact that in any future world war nuclear weapons will certainly be employed, and that such weapons threaten the continued existence of mankind,..”– The Russell-Einstein Manifesto,1955
brought us to a nuclear tipping point.”– Cold War Warriors George Shultz, Henrey Kissinger, William Perry & Sam Nunn,2008
1.Global Security and Democracy:
The UN, NATO and World Health Organization cannot continue to be ineffective or must be replaced by something better. Their failure and that of powerful countries to prevent genocides, war, illness, massive poverty and starvation, increase in totalitarianism, militarism, cries for better approaches in prevention. Present political and economic structures continue to be influenced by elitist capitalists, huge conglomerates and their hired influencers, who are a threat to democracy. The future we now see for our progenies is dark unless we act, foremost we need to stop the growth and distribution of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, and abolish them to prevent further buildup of world tension and our eventual annihilation. We need to see an end to the arms trade, protect human and workers’ rights and refugees. It is through global equality and global education that we can achieve lasting peace.
2.Economic and Social Equality:
The existing global checks and balances are failing. Our industrialization began positively but in the last twenty years, has resulted in more wealth for the few and in many inequalities for the rest. If this trend continues we will see uprisings and further conflict inside and among nations, the rich vs the poor. We can no longer afford corporations and wealthy individuals to not pay their share, to dominate the media and political structures for their benefit. It is citizens who must control social, political and economic institutions that impact their lives
3.Climate Justice:
Our planet cannot sustain the present rate of resource extraction, pollution and destruction. We are faced with the additional fight to control and stop climate change or we will perish. Already drought and wars are resulting in massive migrations putting further stress to economies and world conflict. We need to stand behind a Green New deal which creates jobs that improve the economy, replaces polluting resources, improves homes and infrastructure, food production etc .
4.World Health:
The problems discussed have been exacerbated with Covid19 which is resulting in further deaths in developed and underdeveloped countries not able to cope with pandemic. We must find lasting solutions to the present and prevent future pandemics which also pose significant threats to world peace. Our first task is to work together and make free vaccines available to everyone and little by little meet the necessary medical needs of humans across the world.
Given the situation, people everywhere need to unite to prevent the unthinkable happening and to establish lasting peace and wellbeing on Earth. Global Peace Alliance supports the United Nations 17 Sustainable Goals and all organizations working towards them including the four issues discussed above.
Peace Reflections
- May everyone care for the needs of others and share what is available in an equitable manner.
- May no one take vengeance for past wrongs of others.
- May everyone always act responsibly in a trustworthy and reliable manner.
- May everyone appreciate the wellbeing and happiness of all humans, just as one’s own – irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, tribe, religion, sexual orientation, language, culture, and ideology.
