Youth Category 2nd Prize

THE FIRST GLOBAL GENERATION
LIVING A CULTURE OF PEACE

Victor José Moscoso Portillo
Guatemala, Age 25

"I am a citizen, not of Athens, nor for Greece, but of the whole world."

— SOCRATES

The future of humankind and nature depends on ourselves!

My generation will build in the 21st century a peaceful global community of individuals respecting their rights, enriching their lives and working together for society's well-being. Although we inherit a memory of both shame and pride, we must review the lessons of history. We'll need inspiration, courage and solidarity to remedy past mistakes, take wiser advantage of our assets, and envision the future with faith and optimism.

Our ancestors, a hundred and fifty years ago, witnessed world wars that left us a shadow of cruelty and death. The 20th century shows the darkest models of conflict that will prevail in our memory: the nuclear bomb in Hiroshima, the Holocaust in Europe, the Apartheid in South Africa, and the genocide in Guatemala. We owe our progeny a new moral will to avoid violence and reject war, engage to dialogue and peace to make gentle the life of future generations.

We are a poor society living in a rich world. Although scientific and human progress, our political system and market economy are not working according to our moral principles. Poverty is not a result from the lack of resources, knowledge or creativity; but linked to inequity, exclusion and relations among nations and individuals lacking solidarity and justice. The challenge is distribute wealth more equitably and advance in the quality of life of all members of society through an ethical commitment.

The responsible combination of science and ethical values can improve people's lives, taking into account the natural limits and balance of the environment, respecting its rich biological and genetic diversity. Technology offer us the possibility to create a global village to learn from other cultures, religions, genders, generations. The promotion of peace, dialogue, tolerance, solidarity, freedom, democracy, respect and mutual appreciation among cultures will create the atmosphere to accomplish the basic human rights and balance among nations and within nations. The effort's synergy from international community, governments, NGO and civil society will welcome and celebrate the differences that make our planet such varied and richly human experience, guiding us to the welfare and progress in a unique and remarkable way.

I belong to a small and poor country, but rich in culture and nature diversity . I had a family member murdered, members of my community killed, and thousands fellow countrymen died by genocide in a civil war; but we learned that violence is the wrong way to solve our conflicts, although tolerance and dialogue let us achieve accords to peacefully work together to reduce inequalities and recreate the confidence between us. I do volunteer as leader of the Youth Movement for Peace and Democracy, research on younger generations' living conditions, belong to an international network of social entrepreneurs (the Common Futures Forum) and currently creating a Youth's foundation. I learned that strengthening the links of confidence, care and love among our society requires a strong commitment to consolidate peace, extend democracy and promote sustainable progress in the society, economy, culture and environment.

Youth is a stage to learn and discover our vocation in life, integrate our own family and contribute to our community. It is a wonderful time to develop our capacity to think, write, criticize, speak, dream and create. But we need to avoid selfishness and isolation, be cautious and wiser, overcome our doubts and look deep inside ourselves for the answers to our fundamental questions. I have confidence in my generational colleagues. Our generation will change paradigms, advance in the spiritual and moral revolution, and inspire others to join a global alliance to achieve something greater: the peaceful human coexistence and progress.

EPILOGUE
My generation will be the first to have the knowledge, resources, liberty and will to reshape the world. We must take the lead -with courage, wisdom and creativity- to create our common future in the next millennium: caring for the planet and its biodiversity and sharing opportunities to enjoy happy, healthy and peaceful lives among all genders, cultures and generations.

We will live most of our lives in the next century, so let's open our minds and horizons, share ideas, interest and values, and build cooperative relations to enrich a new culture of peace. Let's put our hearts and work to fight human poverty and exclusion, overcome our memory of desolation, discern our ethical commitment and sow for the welfare of future generations.

It is the time for the full development of the capacities and quality of life of all citizens on Planet Earth. The peaceful and prosperous society-our utopia dreamed with hope and love- is waiting for us in the 21st century!