10 November 1998 New York Mr. President, The end of the Second World War was to mark the beginning of a period of peace for mankind. But more than half a century since the end of the bloodiest war in history, mankind continues to witness conflicts in every part of the world. More people have died in post-war conflicts than in the Second World War itself. Over the past three years alone, the United Nations has recorded 82 conflicts of which 79 were within nations. The paradox is that peace is not alien to us.
History is replete with examples of people who have learned to live in peace and harmony.
Yet, violence seems to have become part of human behavior. It appears to be so ingrained in our culture that peace often appears as a momentary pause between conflicts. Violence has its roots in the minds of men. And so does peace. Therefore, we can learn to make peace an integral part of our consciousness and our actions.