The second day of the Summit began with a presentation by the Director-General of the United Nations in Geneva, Michael Møller, declaring, “We need to be united by purpose, we have to be inclusive!”
The Director-General’s introduction set the tone for an atmosphere of positivity and great collaboration as well as undivided attention of the participants. Here are some of the most significant presentations of the day:
H.E. Shaykh Muhammad Al-YAQOUBI, a Syrian Islamic scholar and religious leader, reminded the audience that Syria has been a multi-religious country in the past and that Egypt has 6 important Christian holy sites. Things have not been always as they are today.
The Director of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International, Mr. Jonathan DUFFY, shared, “We need to foster economic development in poor countries, where refugees come from, and address the corruption issue because it is the principle obstacle to economic development. Moreover, immigration created and still creates economic growth in western countries because many immigrants set up business firms and create jobs. Many great American entrepreneurs, like Sergey Brin (Google) and Steve Jobs (Apple), are children of immigrants.
Ms. Michelle MACK FIORE, Jus Cogens, Secretary Committee NGOs on FoRB, invited the audience to speak for the vulnerable. “We don’t have to be silent. We have to engage others who think differently.”
Mr. Joao MARTINS, Director of ADRA Europe, affirmed, “We need to promote freedom of consciousness. Religion is the second reason for persecution in the world. Thus, there is a lack of freedom of consciousness. 85% of refugees are based in developing countries, not in western countries. Politicians and right-wing parties in developed countries are taking advantage of the fears of people. Moreover, about 70% of refugees have less than 18 years. ADRA is standing up for every child, everywhere!”
Iman RAZAWI of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, added, “There is a lack of leadership. We have to rebuild trust among ourselves. We need new leaders that empower other young leaders.”
The representative to the United Nations, Bahá'í International Community - United Nations Office, Ms. Diane ALAI, reminded the audience thateducation has to be promoted. “Let us leave no one behind.” Constructive resilience is needed by persecuted minorities.
Dr. José María PUYOL MONTERO, professor of History of Law and Institutions at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, explained his perspective: “We need to promote human dignity through education and friendship. We have to foster respect for human dignity, especially through education. We must teach children that every person deserves respect. We must learn to live with people who are diverse. Let us support friendship between people and communities.”
Dr. Thomas SCHIRMACHER, Director of the International Institute for Religious Freedom, stated, “Let us sit together, talk together, walk together. Only together we can have success.”
The Director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church, Dr. Ganoune DIOP, asked, “Why does it take always wars to sign human rights declarations? All declarations are preceded by violent wars. We need proactive prevention. This summit is for the prevention of oppression and suffering. We are exploring actions to reach goals for refugees and migrants. The ground for all human rights is human dignity.”
Dr. Marie Juul PETERSON, Senior Researcher at the Danish Institute of Human Rights, made it clear who are the ‘great losers’: “Women have a double discrimination. They are discriminated as refugees and as women in religious minority groups.”
Prof. Anthony Edward NISTOR, Director of Communications, Official Affairs and Humanitarian Relations on States and Non-States Actors, Los Angeles, offered some proposals: Let us include business sectors for this issue. They are building our societies. There is also the need to acknowledge dangers and virtues of social media. We need to educate people to use the internet. We have to study and understand how to fight against hate speech and discriminatory ideologies on the web.”
The day ended with a debate. The panel answered questions coming from the audience, made up of invited participants and special observers appointed by many countries as Ambassadors at the United Nations in Geneva.
The principal questions focused on the practical application of the concepts discussed and the major involvement of young people in these important questions. This last debate, which was beneficial and efficient, will have positive practical implications.
