Gozo Minister Anton Refalo met the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run participants at the Education, Science and Culture Centre in Lunzjata Valley on Wednesday.

Minister Refalo recalled that 70 years ago, in 1945, the world was coming to terms with the devastating effect of one of the most horrible wars ever, and eventually United Nations and UNESCO were born.

"At the same time, Malta too was grappling to survive and rebuild itself not only and merely by building derelict sites anew but also by forging a new mentality that does not seek revenge but forgiveness; a mentality that does not seek isolation into one's own fortification, but promotes openness and dialogue, Dr Refalo said.

He added that in being a lucky generation, as we have not witnessed the horrors of war in our homeland, does not make us immune. "Thus we have to shoulder part of the responsibility to continue to foster peace. While others preach the doctrine of violence and destruction, we have to sow seeds of peace."The Minister for Gozo thanked the participants and pledged his full support for this initiative for peace.

They included teachers, students, musicians and athletes; 50 individuals from 40 countries from Europe, Asia Pacific and North and South America.

Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Malta to UNESCO Joe Vella Gauci remarked how while the symbolic lighting of the torch at the picturesque Lunzjata Valley may light and remind those who visit the surrounding areas, actual music, arts and sports culture can go beyond the valley, the hills and the shores of our tiny islands.

Therefore he urged all the participants to blog, to post, to travel and carry the light of the beacon of peace in their souls as they sing, act and reach new heights in their respective sporting proficiencies.

The visit of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run coincides with the 50th anniversary since Malta joined the Associated Schools Project Network, which on a national level is being enacted and coordinated from the the Education, Science & Culture Centre at Wied il-Lunzjata in Gozo.

The Centre houses the national centre of UNESCO's ASP net. It has drawn up a year's programme of educational and cultural events to commemorate this special anniversary, to increase outreach and visibility and reap the maximum benefits that such a network has to offer, in education, culture, citizenship and world peace.

Permalink: Gozo Minister meets Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run in Gozo