On Thursday, August 24, Prince Hassan bin al Talal of
Jordan, President of the Club of Rome, called for mutual respect among
different cultures in a speech at the International Conference Hall of
Soka University, Hachioji, Tokyo, upon his acceptance of an honorary
doctorate from the University.
In his speech, given before an audience of students from 21
countries, Prince Hassan emphasized that we must avoid conflict by
looking at ourselves from the standpoint of cultures and traditions
that differ from ours. We must promote the human agenda by emphasizing
dialogue focused on people, and promote an identity that spans the
range of humanity from poor to rich to strengthen respect for human
dignity. Only by advancing mutual respect and understanding can we
achieve true multiculturalism. For the sake of peace, Prince Hassan
proposes the creation of a set of moral principles founded on human
solidarity. He comments how some today are driven to martyrdom due to
hatred that has been driven deep into their hearts, stating that this
will never create peace or promote human dignity. Prince Hassan urges
the youth of today to stand up and work together to promote mutual
understanding and solve the problems facing humanity.
Prince Hassan bin al Talal of Jordan (59) was born in March 1947
in Amman, Jordan. He obtained an MA in Oriental Studies from Christ
Church College of Oxford University. In addition to being the
president of the Club of Rome, he is also vice-chairman of the
Foundation for Interreligious and Intercultural Research and Dialogue,
a member of various UNESCO committees, and is on the board of
directors for the Center for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution at
the University of Oklahoma.
Soka University awarded Prince Hassan with the honorary doctorate
for his contributions to learning and to the promotion of
international understanding through the creation of a global culture
of peace and prosperity based on dialogue and conduct rooted in
humanitarian principles. Other individuals who have been awarded
honorary doctorates by Soka University include Wangari Maathai, Linus
Pauling and Rosa Parks.
Towards a century of peace, culture and education, Soka University
aims to become a student-centered University that contributes to
building a peaceful world. Soka University promotes international
exchanges with 97 universities in 44 countries around the world.
