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Message from the Chairman

MR.JONATHAN PRICE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings!  – and may the peace of God be with all who read this. 

It has been a difficult Year for all of us; and for some of us, disastrous. Most of us have been forced to accept unexpected changes and a new reality; and many have had to face their mortality and the death of loved ones.

And yet we now see that there is a light ahead. There is hope for 2021. We can rebuild our lives. Let us take the opportunity to build a better world. To quote John Donne “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” 

So you see we should all be doing something to improve the lot of the less fortunate. I am sure many of us give willingly to charities, but this, in its self, is not sufficient. Don’t be afraid to talk to your friends and acquaintances: Speak of hope. Do not to be hectoring or invasive but to let them know that you are aware that evil stalks the world and that you are a supporter of peace and good will. Just enough to make them stop and think.

Many of you, well the younger of you, browse the internet. if you see a post encouraging intolerance, hatred or bigotry, take a moment to post a counter argument. It may be enough for people to pause and think again.  As Albert Einstein said “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.”

Pause. Take time to make your small gesture. – And remember all those small gestures can add up to become a great force for Peace.

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London Institute of Peace Research, it is the best of humanity that defines it. It is defined by tolerance, acceptance, and a tireless commitment to making the world a better place. An incredible belief that it is everyone’s duty to help others and that the senselessness of war and conflicts can be overcome.

Of course, the London Institute of Peace Research alone can not end the wars in the world. But what LIPR and its partners want is the strength that comes when local peace promoters can identify to the international community the root cause of public unrest all over the world.

London Institute of Peace Research wants to create a self-awareness questioning how and where it can add value and, importantly, understanding where it cannot.

I hope that the London Institute of Peace Research will one day become a movement, a truly globalized movement that links the east and the west, the north and the south; linking people together who believe the same thing – that if we all start to see peace as possible, it will be.

In my opinion, the London Institute of Peace Research is one of the most innovative organizations in promoting peace throughout the world.  The chance to help it grow and to spread the message that local peace developing measures work, is one that I am greatly looking forward to.

If you have new ideas and want to develop the cause of peace-making, I encourage you to contact me at jonathanprice@lipr.org.uk