What should we do to promote peace in society?

According to the United Nations, true peace encompasses not just the absence of violence but the “building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish”. It also seeks to build a world where everyone is International Day of Peace on September 21, Vientiane Times asked members of the public for their thoughts on peace.

Mr Phut, a government official in Oudomxay province: Peace is a state of nonsuffering as well as a celebration of life. We can make a choice to live in peace within our own hearts, so that we can choose not to suffer and instead to live with gratitude and love. Not only that, but we are also learning that finding peace within ourselves is essential to creating a world at peace. Because all of life is interconnected, fear, hatred and anger serve to reduce the amount of peace in the world, whereas love, joy and gratitude build peace. A state of peace enables us to live a happy and contented life and we should defend and strengthen our freedom.

Mr Sanyha Soutthichack, a government official in Champassak province: We are lucky to be born in a peaceful country like Laos and we should make sure this situation continues. Independence and peace are important for citizens and also in bringing foreigners to work and live here happily. On this occasion we should honour our forebears and leaders who devoted themselves to the revolution so that everyone could live in peace and solidarity and Laos could determine its future.

Ms Bounthong Bounmany, an employee in Huaphan province: People devoted themselves to the revolution so that everyone could live in peace and solidarity and develop themselves and their country. The younger generations should learn about the brave actions of our forebears who fought for independence, as this was a prolonged and difficult struggle. Of course, we should continue to develop our country and defend our independence as much as possible. We should hold events to commemorate our success and advocate for the maintenance of our independence, and raise public awareness of this issue.

Mr Bom Duangphitack, a resident of Xayaboury province: I think peace is the desire of every beating heart. Peace is the hope of every nation, the promise of every politician, the pulse of every religious tradition, the goal of every prayer. Peace is the bold, courageous and ultimate response to the notion that violence provides a viable solution to the conflicts in our world. Where war destroys and tears apart, peace builds, strengthens and restores. Everyone should be aware of the need to play a part in upholding and ensuring our independence by living in unity and peace for the benefit of our communities and society as a whole.

Ms Air, an employee in Xaythany district, Vientiane: The peace of one individual is small. The peace of many people together is big. When we see ourselves as separate from our community and from nature, then violence and strife arise. It is only when we understand our part in an overall unity that there is the possibility of peace on a large scale. Peace and independence are essential to ensure that any country, including Laos, is peaceful and stable and has the conditions that enable people to develop themselves and their country.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update September 22, 2022)