The devastating issues facing our planet and menacing humanity were not minimized or trivialized, but were examined with candor and courage. People came together, looked at hard facts and dire statistics, and searched for concrete and workable solutions to end war as well as to identify the root causes of war. The strengthening of the International Criminal Court was also high on the list of agenda items. Strongly supported by The United Nations, the aim of The Hague Agenda for Peace and Justice in the 21st Century is to mobilize ordinary citizens to take the kind of action which will make war an unacceptable practice and to defend justice and accountability as a normal condition. As her crystal voice rang out in the hall and tears streamed down the faces of most people present, there was a clear sense that it is possible to change the world and that we can triumph over this evil called war.
Children always demonstrate a particular type of heart quality.
The musical production, Peace Child, was performed twice by local youth during The Hague Appeal, much to the pleasure of many. These questions are also being raised by the many youth delegations who are clamoring to be heard by their own governments. In many meetings of energetic young people, the issue of direct participation in the formation of government policy was a consistent theme. Perhaps there would be less money in the defense budget. One individual, a great world leader, Secretary-General Kofi Annan, was the recipient of a spontaneous outpouring of heart from the audience at the closing plenary.