President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca stressed that peace-building was the only way forward for humanity when she delivered the opening keynote address of the 28th Annual Session of the Crans Montana Forum, in Barcelona, Spain. This year’s session is entitled ‘Which world for tomorrow? Strategies for Stability in an unpredictable Environment towards a new governance.’

This was the third time that President Coleiro Preca delievered a keynote speech at the Crans Montana Forum Annual Session.

She said the only way forward for humanity to prosper lay in peace building.“if each and every one of us

“If each and every one of us work together, with one aim or objective, we will be able to live up to the challenge.”

The President stated that deep-rooted and seemingly intractable conflicts were challenges  which must be faced.

“Conflict and wars are blocking our, and our children’s aspirations, for a peaceful and prosperous future.”  

She also underscored the need for conflict prevention aims to inhibit armed conflicts from breaking, pointing to Tunisia as a prime example.  

Conflict, she said, needed to be transformed into democratic participation for peace-making and peace-building, which is “not only more sustainable, but it is also more enriching.”

Such a transformation also led to a process of healing within communities and groups. 

The President said peace-building was something which could be achieved also 'bottom up' through human relationships. 

“I urge us all to be bold, to make use of all opportunities to encourage relationships, which are life-affirming, and rooted in respect for universal human rights and fundamental freedoms. I urge us all to work in synergy, whatever our capacity or our responsibility, for peace. We must work together, to ensure a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future, for the benefit of all humanity,” President Coleiro Preca concluded.