–President Ali says the only solution to war is peace; leaders have the important task of setting strong foundation for future generations
–emphasises importance of partnerships, collective action to address active crises

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has said that collective action by world leaders to sustain peace is required to ensure future generations inherit an earth that is peaceful, natural and beautiful.

The Head of State made these statements while delivering an address at a reception in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Dr Ali indicated that we currently live in a complex global environment that is defined more by competition than by cohesion and more by conflict than peace.

“This is a complex global environment. What is required of us as countries bonded together would allow the next generations of global citizens to inherit an earth that is peaceful, natural, beautiful. But if we continue on this trajectory, we will definitely give to them a world that is broken [and] destroyed,” he said.

Against this backdrop, he indicated that the choice is very simple as nations must decide what is needed for the next generation.

President Ali said that Guyana has made its choice, which is one that is rooted in principle and values.

“For Guyana, we have made a choice, a choice that is rooted in principle, a choice that is rooted in values and a choice in which we want to leave the inheritance of an earth that is better today than it was yesterday,” he expressed.

While noting that Guyana may be small in population, he said the collective voices can signal that we are part of a movement globally that wants to return the world to a place of peace.

With this, he indicated that there must be collective action to ensure that the challenges faced around the world can be mitigated.

The Head of State said: “We all agree that the challenges we face individually can only be confronted collectively.”

As challenges are confronted, he said that leaders must not shy away from lending collective voices against injustices wherever they exist.

Further, he said that collective voices and action must add and lead to collective action.

Stressing the importance of collective action, Dr Ali indicated that it is the developing nations that are suffering mostly from the impact of these global issues, with there being imported inflation in food prices, transportation costs, the cost of fuel among other things.

“There’s nothing good about wars and conflict,” he expressed.

He went on to add that the only way to end wars and conflict is if the collective voices are used to end it.