Pictures from Rome

“Violence is a preventable disease”

… was the subtitle for the “Charter for a World without Violence” which the Nobel Laureates wrote into the early hours of the morning today in order to present the Charter to the world at a 9:30 press conference. With personalities like the Dalai Lama, Gorbachov, Muhammad Yunnus, Mary Williams and MC Maguire this four page document (which for some reason does not seem to be online yet, I will post the link when I find it or they put it up) seems to be more then just the sentiments of a three day summit of just talking and a step by step process for what we need to do to end violence in this world. The Charter includes 13 points that governments and organizations must follow to end violence.

After presenting the document that the laureates worked on all night, they had this to say:

“The greatest killer in the world is not guns or bombs but apathy” -M. Williams

“History is not set, history always has room for initiative and change” -M. Gorbachov

“A great problem that we have is that we do not ask our children what kind of world they want to live in” -M. Yunnus

“We were born to live life, be happy and celebrate life, not to die” -M. Maguire

“I have nothing to say” -His Holiness the Dalai Lama (apparently suggesting that they document spoke for it self)

After a few moments he then said, “we will not solve any problems in one swoop but rather on a small scale”

The summit ended with each of the laureates talking about the importance of actually taking action on what was talked about during the summit. There is no question the they have taken action and will continue to do so, it was rather up to those who attended to enact the charter and to spread the message of the weekend, which was of course to end violence.

In an odd arrangement, due to the scheduling nightmare of bringing together the movers and shakers of the world, there was actually one session after the press conference, led by Muhammad Yunnus. He had several interesting points that deviated from the typical speech on the topic of youth. He said that “The youngest generation does not have a dream”. He went on to suggest that each generation had their ideal society but not the youngest generation. He also suggested that it is a shame as the youngest generation seems to be in the best position to put in place whatever they want, he was referring to how tech savvy young people are. He even suggested that the old saying that the older is wiser is not longer true and that it is now the young is wiser. He ended by suggesting that his generation has an obligation to help the youngest generation find their dream and their destination.

It was a truly fascinating speech from a man who has helped millions through the microcredit. The entire summit brought about sense that one person really can make a difference to those who attended. To see and hear the stories of these Nobel laureates who each in their own way has saved lives, ended suffering and even helped prevent the end of the world (of course that would be Gorbachov). I personally feel inspired to do more for issues that never seemed pressing such as nuclear disarmament. I strongly urge anyone who is reading this to look into what you personally can do to make this world a better place. We only get one life and one planet, it seems a shame to waste either.

Like a mother loves a child

We must love our planet and all those who live on it like a mother loves a child was the message from his holiness the Dali Lama at the opening of the 8th Annual Summit of Nobel Laureates. The Dali Lama, who is truly a captivating speaker, gave the opening address for the summit after the former President of the USSR, Gorbachov, and the Mayor of Rome, Walter Veltroni awarded George Clooney and Don Cheadle the 2007 Peace Summit Award.

The two American actors each gave remarkably humble acceptance speeches for two of the most popular men in the city, even the world. Don Cheadle’s speech started with his admission that he almost did not accept the award because he did not think his work measured up to the work of the Laureates giving the award. In fact, had it not been for his sensible wife who pointed out that he could recive the award without making the award about him, Cheadle might not have been there.

Although Clooney did not seem unwilling to accept the award his humbleness came in the form of a call to action. His speech centered around the notion that the freedom of speech does not give one the right to run into a crowded theater and scream fire, unless there is one. His point was that he and everyone in the room had the right and the ability to speak up for those who cannot and that we therefore had an obligation to do so.

Just as the two actors were humbled to receive the award, it was humbling for anyone who considered it important to change the wrongs they see in the world to be in a room with people like the Dali Lama, Gorbachov, Betty Williams, M.C. Maguire and Mohamuod Yunnus, all of who gave similar speeches calling for the world to take action to end poverty, end violence and make our world a better place to live.

A particularly emotional appeal came from M.C. Maguire, noted for her work to end violence in Irleand, who called out to the young people in the room to organize and stand up to the injustices that are all around them. Coming from a women who actually did that, there was not a person in the room who did not get shivers (I know I did).

Later events included two panels with both Gorbachov and Betty Williams. Both sessions included questions for the panel from German college students, in town for the summit. Sadly one youngerster was compelled to point out that neither pannel contained a young person despite the title of the summit “The Next Generation”. Hopefully, the summit’s organizers will reconsider this for next year.

Nonetheless it is a true honor to attend a conference with people who have literally changed the course of history in a city that has so much history. It is hard to pay attention to where I am going when on every corner there is a building or a satute or a fountain that was built before my ancestors spotted plymouth rock. Not to mention the fabulous food and remarkably kind people that can be found in every little Pizzeria, Cafe and Bar (a bar in Italy is more like a coffee shop in the US and serves up a stunning array of baked goods and sandwiches).

Check back tomorrow for more from Rome, or has they say here, Roma. Arrivedela!

Pictures to come when I get back to the US.