–President Ali tells Rotaract clubs during observance of World Understanding, Peace Day
WITH global tensions rising and social divisions deepening, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has urged Guyanese to recommit to humility, kindness, and understanding, describing these values as essential to building a strong and unbreakable society.
Speaking at the Rotary Club of Georgetown’s Annual World Understanding and Peace Dinner, President Ali framed peace not as an abstract diplomatic ideal, but also as a daily practice that must be cultivated in homes, communities and institutions across the country.
The President noted that his vision for Guyana is where people lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. He urged the audience to see this as a national project, not just a personal moral choice.
“We must define a path, a value system and a national development foundation, in which we lift each other up, in which we are humble and kind, and in which our only objective must be to understand each other in a better way. And we will build a society that’s unbreakable.
“We’ll build a country that is unstoppable, and we will demonstrate to the world an example of a people ready to live by the true meaning of love, of humility and understanding,” the President said.
He further noted that Rotaract’s observance is “deeply rooted in the history of the Rotary movement,” which began more than 120 years ago with a “simple but powerful idea” that brings together professionals and community leaders in fellowship to transcend narrow self-interest and work towards the common good.
Over time, he said, Rotary has evolved into a global movement grounded in service, ethical leadership and the promotion of international understanding. World Understanding and Peace Day, as observed by Rotary clubs.
“Rotary’s recognition that peace is not an ideal reserve for diplomats and statesmen, but a practical, lived reality that must be actively cultivated in communities, workplaces and relationships,” he said, adding: “Rotary’s emphasis on fellowship across professions, cultures and nations, has laid the groundwork for a broader philosophy that understanding is the foundation upon which peace must be built.”
President Ali also cautioned that these ideals are under severe strain. Around the world, he noted, conflicts persist, tensions escalate and mistrust deepens, making it even more urgent that organisations such as Rotaract must double their efforts to promote understanding at every level of society.
“Sustainable peace cannot rest solely on the signatures of political leaders or the elegance of diplomatic agreements. It must be built, reinforced and lived through the active work of ordinary citizens across every level of society,” he said, adding: “Laws may declare peace, but it is our communities through dialogue, mutual respect, and daily acts of understanding that peace is fully made durable.”
