How do we achieve a lasting peaceful coexistence in a world that is moving towards global conflict? September 21st might be remembered as the last opportunity to freely and collectively commemorate the World Peace Day. Such is the situation in international affairs today. Yet, multiple proposals and solutions are available that would instantly pull the World out of the shadows of war and perennial conflicts.
This year I had the privilege to participate in the commemoration of the International Day of Peace that was organised by the Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD). I was formally invited as part of the Serbian delegation, representing the Belgrade Forum for a World of Equals. Founded in 1985, CPAPD is the largest civil society organisation in China dedicated to peace. The aims and objectives of the CPAPD are to promote mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between the Chinese people and people of the rest of the world in concerted efforts to oppose an arms race and war, advocate arms control and nuclear disarmament, and other weapons of mass destruction, so as to safeguard world peace and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. The conference took place between Jinan, capital of the Shandong province, and Weifeng, birthplace and capital of kites and kite-making. It is no coincidence that these cities were chosen as the venue of the conference. Jinan and Shandong in general is an important cradle of the Chinese civilisation, where pottery, silk production and the Chinese script originated from. Most importantly, it is home to Confucius, whose philosophy is an important part of the Chinese culture. Moreover, Confucianism has profoundly impacted the world to this day. Weifang is a Cultural City of East Asia and an International City of Peace.
A better future for the world
It was my first trip to China and the experience was overwhelming. The general atmosphere was energetic and inspiring. Traveling from Europe to China, the first impression was akin to leaving a stuffy room into the crisp mountain air on a sunny day. It is true that every change of scenery is good for the soul, but this was more than that. For me, it had to do with hope and optimism for a better future across the globe. China has a lot to offer in terms of civilisational steps forward. We are used to hear about the economic miracle of China and the giant leaps in terms of technology and production. However, there is more to it than that. In the background of these achievements is a millenary civilisation that works relentlessly with dedication, patience and perseverance with the goal of achieving a healthy, peaceful and harmonious coexistence.
The theme of the conference was “Upholding a Shared Future to Build a World of Peaceful Coexistence”. Around 180 representatives from more than 80 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the Americas, along with over 100 political organisations, peace groups, and security think tanks participated in the Commemoration. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng addressed the opening ceremony of the event after which the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a video address to the participants. Other speakers of the conference included prominent statesmen such as Vice President of the National Assembly of Laos and Chairman of the Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity, Sommad Pholsena, former President of South Africa Kgalema Motlanthe, former Colombian President Ernesto Samper and former President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer. There was also a speech given by Chen Bo, the former Chinese ambassador to Serbia. A true friend of Serbia, she participated in the capacity of Secretary-general of the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Studies Centre and President of the China Institute of International Studies.
The path to peace through
shared dialogue and exchange
Much was said and discussed during the conference, on how to strive for sustainable global peace. The problems that were identified were related to traditional and non-traditional security issues, unilateralism, block mentality and spectre of cold-war politics, a rising nuclear threat, persistent provocations, return of international fascism, ineffectiveness of political negotiations, economic slowdown, and the ongoing conflicts in the World, the Middle-East in particular. The problems we face are diverse, but, as was repeatedly mentioned by the delegates, the way to peace can be reached only if we work together through constructive dialogue, cultural exchanges and assured sustainable development for all. These principles were already formalised within the three global initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, which goes to show that from a fundamental perspective we are all striving for the same goal and we all know how to achieve it. What remains is to find a way to work together, to work towards a new future.
The common opinions on how to achieve unity that were expressed by the delegates can be summarised as follows: Economic development, strengthening of cultural exchanges, mutual respect, re-establishing the authority of the United Nations and international law, cessation with the use of unilateral sanctions, establishing a sense of community with a secure future and the development of citizen diplomacy. In addition, more responsibility and space must be given to the younger generations.
The desire for a
normal life and better living conditions
During our discussions throughout the three-day conference, the most noticeable and prevalent feeling was not that of fear of a possible world war or anger towards the continuous patronisation by the Western countries or even frustration because of the blatant Western hypocrisy and double standards. No, the feeling was that of tiredness of having to deal with the pressures, threats and sanctions from the West, tiredness of having to put up with the Western hysteria and the continuous appeasement required to dissuade them from starting yet another war. The rest of the world desires to get back to a normal life, to improve their living conditions and strive for prosperity. This is where China leads by example. China does not tell other states what to do and has a long-standing policy of not intervening in the affairs of other countries. Rather, it marches ahead with visible and tangible deeds, which are reflected in the prosperity of the people and the economic growth of the country. Moreover, it started involving other countries on this path through the Belt and Road Initiative. China strives for common prosperity among its citizens and between states, which is summarised by their “win-win” philosophy.
Serbia’s perspective in today’s life
Where are we Serbians during these difficult times? There is a great deal that we can and must learn from a civilisation such as that of China. At the same time, Serbia is overwhelmingly underestimated and underappreciated by the Western countries and Europe in particular. Serbia has a much greater perspective in today’s world from the one that is offered to her by Western powers. At this point in time, there is much that Serbia can offer to the West and not vice-versa. Today, there is an opportunity for Serbia to make its own civilisational step forward, towards self-respect, harmony, prosperity and a peaceful coexistence.
In light of the current world events, China deserves our respect and our help for it to help others achieve peace. I thank the Chinese people for their warm welcome and their hospitality and the CPAPD for organising this very important event in these turbulent times. •
* Dr Mirko Lukovic is a physicist. He lives and works in Switzerland and originally comes from Serbia. He spent the first 15 years of his life in various non-aligned countries. He is a member of the Executive Council of the Belgrade Forum for a World of Equals, which is committed to promoting peace and equality between the peoples of the world. He is also involved in the foundation ‘Diaspora for the Motherland’, in which he connects Serbian citizens living abroad with social programmes in Serbia.
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