A dialogue on the role of civil society in peacebuilding.
In this book, Kevin P. Clements, one of the world's leading experts in conflict resolution studies, engages in a dialogue with philosopher and Buddhist leader Daisaku Ikeda on the topic of peace and the role of civil society in this field.
In their conversations, which are anything but academic or theoretical, and are based on the concrete experiences of the two authors who have dedicated their lives to peacebuilding, they provide a wealth of examples in which the actions of ordinary people have transformed social and political situations.
Unusual aspects of the peacebuilding process emerge, which are not only within the reach of diplomats and statesmen but of every person. For example, the importance of "imagining" what the world we want to live in would be like, or the importance of "conviviality," meaning the pleasure of conversing with people in informal settings, such as over a good meal, which has surprisingly proven crucial for many negotiations.
It is an invitation to everyone, and especially to young people, to become aware of their power, because, as Daisaku Ikeda states, «lack of trust in the government is observed in every country, but if young people lose interest in politics, society will have no future.» And to young people, but not only them, is addressed the appeal of the two authors to take the risk of stepping out of their comfort zone to open up to the diversity of others. The conviction of these two great thinkers is that the path to peace will only open when young people work together for a common purpose, united to solve problems beyond national borders.
«Peace is not something abstract or separate from daily life. We can all do something for peace right where we are now.»
Daisaku Ikeda
«Fear and distrust do not help change. The only way to create a just and peaceful world is to act with the confidence of wanting a better future.»
Kevin Clements
«Sincerely listening to the problems of a single person, right where we are now, encouraging them and nurturing hope in their heart is a humble and tenacious effort; perhaps it won't be news that travels the world, perhaps it won't enter the annals of history, but every person who feels a new hope burning in their heart will rediscover the strength to live, and your action will have been precious for their life. This is the basis of a solid peace movement deeply rooted in people's hearts. It is my fervent wish that young people, first and foremost, continue to build a network of people who spread joy and revitalization, thereby creating a magnificent ray of light for the twenty-first century.»
Daisaku Ikeda
