Differences challenge people to embrace diversity 

KUCHING: Differences are not barriers but bridges that connect people and the society. 

In stating this, Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang said that these differences challenge people to listen, learn and grow together while embracing diversity empowers society to cultivate mutual respect and understanding.

“These are the ultimate foundations of lasting harmony. The world we inhabit is increasingly interconnected and with this connectivity comes both opportunity as well as responsibility. 

“Our diverse backgrounds enrich our conversations, inspire creativity and foster innovation. It is our respect and celebration of each other’s culture that binds us together,” he said.

He said this in his speech during the 10th anniversary of the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) World Peace Summit at the Borneo Cultures Museum here today (Oct 6).

Besides, he expressed sadness about the state of the world today, where, according to him, some countries are still in conflict and struggling to achieve peace.

“So I find this platform, HWPL, very meaningful and I am very touched, because this congregation that is growing, I would say 90 per cent of them are young people,” he said.

Meanwhile, HWPL Malaysia director Bong Yuet Ning, said that diversity enriches the experience of being Malaysian, although conflicts can arise when people fail to understand one another.

“The ultimate goal of HWPL is to accomplish peace in the world through a bottom-up movement which means that every single person in the world has the right to know about world peace and why it is so important.

“HWPL Malaysia is the Malaysian chapter of HWPL which is an international peace NGO which is currently working globally in over 120 countries to accomplish peace.

“It is both an institutional and a community level by planting the seed of peace in each individual’s heart.

“HWPL’s answer to peace is the declaration of peace and cessation of war an international law that every citizen of the global village should know about so that it can be upheld,” she said.

She also said that peace is not just the absence of war, it is also a culture and mindset where every individual strives for peace.

For the record, the event also saw the signing of Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) between Lo, Bong and Stairway of Hope Learning founder Marilou Salgatar Chin.