Pageant contestants aren't the only ones asking for world peace these days.
The UNM chapter of the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist Club is hosting a discussion today with Amnesty International and humanist societies to share perspectives on world peace. All students are invited.
The groups are meeting in honor of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights' 60th year, said Kush Mirchandani, president of the SGI Buddhist Club.
Devin Ulibarri, former president of the club and an instructor at UNM, said the Peace and Justice Center asked organizations to do something to commemorate the anniversary. Ulibarri said he will facilitate the discussion.
"We have the whole event set up so that anyone who comes and participates is going to be part of a dialogue," he said. "There's no right or wrong answer in this. We're just trying to start the dialogue."
Each group will give a presentation on what they think world peace is, whether it is possible, and how to achieve it. The groups will have 10 to 15 minutes each to summarize their positions, Ulibarri said.
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"Each group has something unique to bring to the discussion based on our different backgrounds," Mirchandani said.
Ilse Biel, secretary for Amnesty International, said her group decided to participate to raise awareness for human rights.
"We can't not believe that world peace is possible, because we'll become disillusioned," she said. "If every person in the world realizes that they have a right to human rights, it will bring us closer to world peace."
Mirchandani said the members of SGI believe world peace is possible but that it will take individuals to start the process.
"Our basic philosophy is that as people grow as individuals, society will naturally develop in a positive direction," Mirchandani said. "A realization of this empowers each individual, ultimately, to create world peace."
Ulibarri said he wants people to participate and come up with their own conclusions.
"I want people in there, regardless of what answer they come out with or if they come out with more questions than answers," he said. "I want them to look within themselves and see both the desire for peace and the doubt. Then they can begin to work with that a little bit more."
World peace discussion
Today, 4 to 6 p.m.
SUB Ballroom
