Earlier today, in Geneva, Switzerland, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong had the rare privilege of addressing the 148th Inter-parliamentary Union assembly on the theme “Building bridges for peace and development.”
In his remarks, he expressed the determination of young parliamentarians across the globe to play a role in bringing peace to a world that is beset with pockets of conflict, not being unmindful, however, of the historical factors that may have led to them.
He stressed the opinion that for these obstacles to be overcome, dialogue, empathy, and respect for each other's history and cultures was key to building bridges.
He shared his experience as Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, where the members continue to work tirelessly with the board and management to achieve a lasting peace and surmount the environmental & developmental challenges in the Niger Delta region.
In closing, he urged the assembly to enact resolutions that would protect women and children, noncombatants who bear the major brunt of the needless violence associated with war and conflict. He challenged the assembly not to relent in its effort to bring lasting peace to the world by invoking the words of the late Kofi Annan who said "Peace is never a perfect achievement”.
He closed by reminding the assembly that peace is not just a destination but a manner of traveling.
© THE STANDARD MEDIA
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