KARACHI:
The idea and desire for world peace is laudable, but what lacks, and in turn becomes a hinderance towards such a goal, is trust and confidence among different countries who have self-serving ambitions. Thus, for their own personal benefit, countries either go to war with others or exploit those countries that are vulnerable.
In 1932, a conference for the disarmament of weapons of war was not only attended by world leaders but also by scholars and scientists such as Albert Einstein and others. They appealed to the world governments to destroy their stockpile of weapons and work on improving human life. However, the summit was unsuccessful, and WWII started in 1939. This war led to the death of millions of human lives and culminated in nuclear weapons being developed and dropped onto Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Motivation through self-interest has become so extreme that corrupt and unequal practices have seeped into international peace organisations as well. In the UN, powerful countries have veto power where the vote of one country can reject a cause being supported by the rest of the world. This is the reason that issues like Kashmir and Palestine never were or I am afraid never will be settled. The world spends trillions of dollars on pointless wars while the gap between the rich and poor has reached its peak.
With the rich and powerful enjoying lavish lives, the poor are left struggling to make it through the day. Thus, it is evident that powerful and wealthy nations do not seem to create space for weak nations to grow and prosper. Unless the gap between rich and poor is reduced, the desire for world peace will remain a nightmare. Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN, said, “While we are all floating on the same sea, it is clear that some are in superyachts, while others are floating on floating debris.” I wish, hope, and pray that the world comes together to uplift the poor before it is too late.
Raja Shafaatullah
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, September 22nd, 2020.
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