During the Reconciliation Week of Rwanda, I met Amb. Mussie Hailu, an international advocate and activist for Culture of Peace, reconciliation, interfaith harmony & cooperation. He has been working for years with the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission of Rwanda in promoting peace and reconciliation. He served many national, regional and international peace organisations, as he strongly believes in creating and building a culture of peace and a better world for all. “I do not believe that the task of creating world peace should be left to either the United Nations or governments alone. Each and every one of us should be also a stakeholder for peace to prevail on Earth and need to work together as Citizens of the World” he told The New Times. Many people around the world consider this dynamic peace activist as an extraordinary net-worker and bridge builder for peace, His outstanding work has won him international acclaim. He was elected fellow of the International Biographical Association by unanimous decision of the board sitting at Cambridge, England and accorded the title FIBA. Beside he was also given the 21 century Achievement Award for his career achievements and social contribution, which was selected for permanent documentation in 500 leaders of influence. His biography, which is on permanent record at the U.S. Library of Congress Washington, D.C. is designed for biographical reference and inspiration for present-day citizens of the twenty-first century, as well as future generation. About what should be done for peace to prevail he said, “Our world is continuously changing, and in this changing world we can’t remain as we are, nor can we go back to conditions that are now behind us,” “We can only move forward, but not on the same path. The world needs not remain violent,” he added. Asked why he uses the Golden Rule as his motto he said, “The Golden Rule which demands that you treat others the way you want to be treated has been affirmed in many religions and secular philosophies as a fundamental principle of life,” The message of the Golden Rule is simple but powerful. It is universal and a foundation upon which global ethics are founded. Hailu believes it is high time to promote the Golden Rule throughout the world as a guiding principle in life. While speaking at a conference organised at the UN headquarters, New York along with the former President of US, Leach Walesa he said “We need to develop a conscience that transcends all differences among nations, ethnic groups, races and religious beliefs and opinions through dialogue. It is my deepest believe that dialogue will give birth to a great wave of human energy directed towards world peace, and co-existence.” Hailu pointed out that in the 21st Century, one of the most important missions for humanity must be to bring people together as one with the shared goal of creating peaceful world for all to live in harmony. “Since war begins in the minds of men, it is in the mind of men that defences must be constructed,” quoting the preamble of UNESCO, he recommended a peace education programme to be integrated in schools, which would shape the young generation and unleash their spirit. Hon Hailu has travelled extensively to most parts of the world addressing the issue of the Culture of peace. He was one of the main forces behind the peace monument erected at the African Union. He pioneered the Council of Former African Heads of States for Peace, Reconciliation and Development. The objective was to engage them in a positive and constructive way to share their rich experience and work of peace and development across the continent. Contact: potetic_african@yahoo.com
