“Peace is the greatest weapon for development that any person can have.”— Nelson Mandela
Peace has often been defined as the “absence of war”, giving peace a negative definition. It would be preferable to give peace a positive approach, by viewing it as the attainment of security, justice, welfare, freedom and self-fulfillment. This may be viewed from the perspective of the family, the community, the business environment, to society, to our country and to the world. Focusing on attaining security, in order to attain security, we must free ourselves not only from war and its threats, but also from poverty, scarcity, illiteracy and oppression.
The recent acts of terrorism in different countries and/or within some countries, including ours, are almost beyond comprehension. The Philippine southern city is now ravaged and going by the televised state of affairs, it seems no different from war-torn Syria. The desecration of a Catholic Church reminds one of how ancient wars have been fought on the basis of religious beliefs. One can only ask, why are there so many strifes and aberrations in the world? Are we into a new global order or is the world rewinding?
It is a basic premise that everything changes, and it is common belief that everything is for the better—further development and growth. But how can these improvements be achieved with all this turbulence?
Economic growth and development are associated with peace and security. It is a must for everyone to move on and work on improving the general well-being of the nation and the world. A secure investment environment should be everyone’s concern and, as a people, this will be our contribution in uplifting the welfare of the nation and the world.
Let us always remember that the linkages among development, peace and security are undeniable. Only lasting peace can provide the foundation for real development. All must work for the better. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”
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Dr. Conchita L. Manabat is the president of the Development Center for Finance and a trustee of the Finex Development and Research Foundation. A past chairman of the International Association of Financial Executives Institutes, she now serves as the chairman of the Advisory Council of the said organization. She can be reached at clm@clmanabat.com.
