Wangari Maathai – Nobel Lecture - 4

Initially, the work was difficult because historically our people have been persuaded to believe that because they are poor, they lack not only capital, but also knowledge and skills to address their challenges. Instead they are conditioned to believe that solutions to their problems must come from ‘outside’. Further, women did not realize that meeting their needs depended on their environment being healthy and well managed. They were also unaware that a degraded environment leads to a scramble for scarce resources and may culminate in poverty and even conflict. They were also unaware of the injustices of international economic arrangements.

In order to assist communities to understand these linkages, we developed a citizen education program, during which people identify their problems, the causes and possible solutions. They then make connections between their own personal actions and the problems they witness in the environment and in society. They learn that our world is confronted with a litany of woes: corruption, violence against women and children, disruption and breakdown of families, and disintegration of cultures and communities. They also identify the abuse of drugs and chemical substances, especially among young people. There are also devastating diseases that are defying cures or occurring in epidemic proportions. Of particular concern are HIV/AIDS, malaria and diseases associated with malnutrition.

On the environment front, they are exposed to many human activities that are devastating to the environment and societies. These include widespread destruction of ecosystems, especially through deforestation, climatic instability, and contamination in the soils and waters that all contribute to excruciating poverty.

In the process, the participants discover that they must be part of the solutions. They realize their hidden potential and are empowered to overcome inertia and take action. They come to recognize that they are the primary custodians and beneficiaries of the environment that sustains them.

ref: agency management software, world peace, nobel peace prize

Wangari Maathai – Nobel Lecture - 3

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
In 1977, when we started the Green Belt Movement, I was partly responding to needs identified by rural women, namely lack of firewood, clean drinking water, balanced diets, shelter and income.
Throughout Africa, women are the primary caretakers, holding significant responsibility for tilling the land and feeding their families. As a result, they are often the first to become aware of environmental damage as resources become scarce and incapable of sustaining their families.

The women we worked with recounted that unlike in the past, they were unable to meet their basic needs. This was due to the degradation of their immediate environment as well as the introduction of commercial farming, which replaced the growing of household food crops. But international trade controlled the price of the exports from these small-scale farmers and a reasonable and just income could not be guaranteed. I came to understand that when the environment is destroyed, plundered or mismanaged, we undermine our quality of life and that of future generations.

Tree planting became a natural choice to address some of the initial basic needs identified by women. Also, tree planting is simple, attainable and guarantees quick, successful results within a reasonable amount time. This sustains interest and commitment.

So, together, we have planted over 30 million trees that provide fuel, food, shelter, and income to support their children’s education and household needs. The activity also creates employment and improves soils and watersheds. Through their involvement, women gain some degree of power over their lives, especially their social and economic position and relevance in the family. This work continues.

ref: agency management system, world peace, nobel peace prize

Noble Peace Prize - Nelson Mandela Speech

Noble Peace Prize Speech we are talking here and till today we talk Dalai Lama’s, Nelson Mandela’s Speech -1 , Nelson Mandela’s Speech - 2, Nelson Mandela’s speech – 3, Nelson Mandela's Speech - 4 and Nelson Mandela's Speech - 5.


We do not believe that this Nobel Peace Prize is intended as a commendation for matters that have happened and passed.

We hear the voices which say that it is an appeal from all those, throughout the universe, who sought an end to the system of apartheid.

We understand their call, that we devote what remains of our lives to the use of our country's unique and painful experience to demonstrate, in practice, that the normal condition for human existence is democracy, justice, peace, non-racism, non-sexism, prosperity for everybody, a healthy environment and equality and solidarity among the peoples.

Moved by that appeal and inspired by the eminence you have thrust upon us, we undertake that we too will do what we can to contribute to the renewal of our world so that none should, in future, be described as the "wretched of the earth".3

Let it never be said by future generations that indifference, cynicism or selfishness made us fail to live up to the ideals of humanism which the Nobel Peace Prize encapsulates.

Let the strivings of us all, prove Martin Luther King Jr. to have been correct, when he said that humanity can no longer be tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war.

Let the efforts of us all, prove that he was not a mere dreamer when he spoke of the beauty of genuine brotherhood and peace being more precious than diamonds or silver or gold.

Let a new age dawn!

Thank you.

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Peace Movement

PEACE MOVEMENT

The present state of the world offers a wonderful study. The race for earthly power and dominion is assuming a terrible feature. Hate, distrust and fear on the one side, skepticism, greed and thoughtlessness on the other, combine to hurl nations into the vortex of war. The heart of men and women of the highest vision are wringing with inexpressible anguish at the sight of the havoc which war leaves in its wake. Their heroic struggle to cool down the raging fever of the war-mad peoples is a sight for gods. The air resounds with their clarion voice, proclaiming insistently the message of goodwill and peace for mankind. What a contrast! --- The heart that bleeds for the sufferings of humanity and the heart that causes such sufferings. Both are ostensibly human, but they are really not. Whilst the one is superhuman, the other is inhuman. Once is Divine, the other is demoniac. The same heart can either be the one or the other. It can pour out the purest emotions of love, compassion and forgiveness. It can also give vent to the turbulent waves of hate, fury and vengeance. The world may be divided into two camps---those who possess a heart of the first caliber ad those who possess a heart of the second. Naturally, the stronger of the two prevails.

So, it is absolutely necessary that those of us who take our stand upon the eternal principle of invincible Love should join hands. We ought to wax powerful by working for the transformation of as many hearts as lie within our purview for an ordered and consolidated resistance against the inrush of war. The normal tendencies of the human heart from its infancy are mild, merciful and loving in character. Our task is to appeal to this part of human nature which is in fact higher than human—it is Divine. Educate the heart to the knowledge of its Divinity. Awaken it to the consciousness of its possibilities for good.

Let the divine instincts subdue the undivine aberrations that distort life and make it ugly. Let us join the ranks of those great souls who are putting forth all their intellectual and spiritual energy to thwart the darkening and degeneration influences that seek to possess and sway human hearts. Let us stand up, as soldiers of GOD, to spread the soothing power of peace and goodwill in the world. Let us move fearlessly with all, but in every contact transmit the overpowering thought of peace and friendliness. Let us encourage every such individual or society by the free offering or our powers, be they of wealth, though or body. Merely to sit still aghast and wail over the wanton massacre of human lives in the name of imperialism, communism or some other equally reprehensible cause is not the thing to do. We are the embodiments of the greatest Power that rules the world. Let us be aware of this and give up faint-heartedness and inaction. If at once we cannot reveal all the powers of soul, as we work on for the cause of universal peace and fellowship, we will be enabled in time to bring out the full brilliance of the light within us. Let us be the votaries of peace which is GOD--- peace for ourselves and peace for humanity.

There are many souls gifted with the spiritual vision, who are striving to establish the sovereignty of peace on the earth. There are some among them prominently in the forefront who are inspired by splendid organizing and creative powers. These outstanding figures are making themselves felt by their worldwide activities. May the Almighty bring them all victory in their selfless labors of love and service, and make the world better and more secure to live in.


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