Keynote Address Delivered by Lieutenant Governor Uwe Zirbes at the International Economic Summit

“Every single one of us can make a difference. We must strive to strengthen our ethical and moral compass, ensuring that we always act with accountability and dedication to the well-being of humanity.”

Distinguished Ministers and Government Representatives,
Respected Diplomats and Economic Experts,
Honored Guests,

I would like to begin my address on world peace by turning our gaze toward the wonderful nation of Serbia.

I have the distinct privilege of living here in the Balkans, which has allowed me to personally experience the deep-rooted hospitality, readiness to help, and genuine warmth of the people. Serbia possesses a long history and a rich culture deeply anchored in traditional values.

In an era where many nations seem to neglect their heritage, I view the Balkans—and Serbia in particular—as a profound role model for other countries. The people here place immense value on their traditions and live them with immense pride. It is truly admirable to witness how these values are passed down from generation to generation, serving as a steadfast foundation for society.

Regrettably, in recent times, many countries have adopted what I consider to be misguided values, as traditional principles are visibly sidelined. Furthermore, rampant materialism, egoism, and the relentless pursuit of personal gain have shaken the moral foundations and social fabric of many communities worldwide.

“Yet, the Balkans have successfully managed to preserve their traditional values.”

This preservation has been instrumental in building a society defined by cohesion, solidarity, and mutual respect. The culture here teaches us the profound importance of togetherness, mutual support, and goodwill toward one another. It is a culture that establishes the very bedrock for peaceful coexistence.

In a time when our world is confronted with so many complex challenges and conflicts, we must stand together to promote and safeguard peace. The people of this region demonstrate how we can foster peace by believing in traditional values and strengthening the community.

For peace is not a state that emerges on its own; it demands our active participation, our unwavering determination, and our collective commitment.

“World peace begins within each and every one of us.”

Peace means finding harmony within our own hearts and approaching one another with compassion and respect. It requires the capacity to accept differences and tirelessly seek common solutions. Peace is a precious commodity, one that must be continuously nurtured through dialogue, understanding, and non-violent communication.

We must hone our conflict resolution skills and find the true courage to advocate for justice and reconciliation. It is our absolute responsibility to combat prejudice and injustice, and to guarantee equal rights and opportunities for all people.

A decisive factor in achieving world peace is education. Education is the ultimate tool that helps us dismantle barriers, overcome deep-seated prejudices, and foster mutual understanding. It empowers us to learn the values of peace and put them into action. A comprehensive education based on compassion, tolerance, and intercultural understanding lays the vital groundwork for a more peaceful and just world. We must strengthen our educational institutions and prepare our children for a world where they not only acquire technological expertise but also learn the art of harmonious coexistence.

Furthermore, we must actively promote dialogue across cultures, religions, and nations. By building bridges of understanding, we can overcome prejudice and create an atmosphere of trust and cooperation. The time has come to pull together and strive toward a world of peace and harmony.

In the 21st century, achieving peace requires a fundamental shift in consciousness. We must remain vigilant and recognize how our thoughts and emotions have been influenced by decades of wartime propaganda. It is crucial to understand that violence can never lead to peace, and that a problem cannot be solved with the same mindset that created it.

“Vigilance is the price of peace. War is neither an accident nor an inevitable destiny; it is started by human beings, and it can be ended by human beings.”

We must never forget that we are all part of a larger global community, and we can only thrive if we respect one another and care for the well-being of all. If we truly want to achieve world peace, human rights and the dignity of every individual must be fully respected.

Within this global human family, I stand firmly for peace, constructive discourse, and the peaceful coexistence of differing opinions. To secure long-term peace and stability, we must listen attentively to both sides of any dynamic, allowing us to identify issues early and prevent conflict.

Moreover, we must ensure that our freedom and fundamental rights remain protected, free from the undue influence of a minority attempting to control our thoughts and actions. We need robust democracies and a just economic system to eradicate hunger on our planet and ensure that no one has to suffer. To achieve this, we must reflect on traditional values and realign our moral-ethical compass, allowing us to accept alternative viewpoints and treat each other with greater respect.

In this context, allow me to share a personal story:

My father always used to say, “Money rules the world.” I could never fully agree with that statement, because money has no emotions and pursues no interests of its own. How, then, could it rule?

Although money represents a dominant power on this planet before which much of humanity bows, it does not rule the world. Humanity rules the world, because humans created money. Money created capitalism, not the other way around. Therefore, neither money nor capitalism bears the responsibility for the crises in our world; rather, it is humanity itself, driven by destructive greed. For the world provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.

“Every single one of us can make a difference. We must strive to strengthen our ethical and moral compass, ensuring that we always act with accountability and dedication to the well-being of humanity.”

I hold the highest respect for the international organization, the Diplomatic Mission Peace and Prosperity. We should all lead by example, championing tolerance, understanding, and acceptance among one another.

Peace is our shared responsibility, and every one of us can be a catalyst for change.

With that in mind, I thank you for your time, your attention, and your unwavering commitment to world peace. May we all contribute to shaping a future where peace, harmony, and justice become a reality for every human being on this planet.

Thank you very much.