BAKU LESSONS

- International Day of Peace, initiated by the non-commercial organization Peace One Day and supported by the United Nations, is marked annually on 21 September as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. Do you really believe that it is possible to attain peace around the world?

- Yes, I do believe that we can make our planet a more peaceful place. International Day of Peace proves that it is achievable. Everyone believes in something. Many people have religious faith. Someone may believe that they will succeed in the exam or at work, and believe that a religion can make a person more respectful and polite. Believing in the possibility of peace is the same. To begin, you must understand that it works. After all, some of us spend too much time and energy on everything bad that happens. If you spend the same amount of energy to find ways to achieve peace, one can see something quite different. For example, we convinced the Taliban and coalition forces in Afghanistan to join International Day of Peace. They did not fight for one day, and we had the opportunity to visit those who needed it most. This is proof that the idea of  International Day of Peace is working, and we can rely on it at certain points.

- As the patron of Peace One Day, you recently visited Azerbaijan and are probably familiar with the situation in the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict? What is the obstacle to its peaceful settlement?

- As usual, I think it's either religion or politics. I've seen many conflicts around the world, and each time the most difficult thing is to get people involved in the conflict to set aside all their differences, hatred, politics and religion for the sake of peace. We have to be brave and have the courage to do it, otherwise we will never be able to forgive and build a real world. We must come together and find a fair solution. It is important to remember that it is impossible to solve problems by thinking the same way as we did when we created them.

- In Azerbaijan, you met with children of internally displaced persons from the conflict zone and asked them to draw a picture of peace time. What did these pictures look like? What impressed you the most? What is your personal "peaceful picture"?

- For me it was the most magical and the most spiritual moment during the entire trip to the region. The children were very kind and respectful, and were clearly excited about our visit. The image of a little girl was the most memorable to me - two doves sitting on top of the earth. It was her vision of peace around the world. Achieving peace should be the main concern of humankind - to be at the top of the international action plan. I also saw on the pictures a beautiful red rose, a tree of life, and one boy drew flags of Azerbaijan and Turkey in a field full of flowers. This little boy is confident that together the two countries can make the region safer and peaceful. My own picture would look like this: all the world leaders are sitting around a table, looking at each other and agreeing that "they have been playing too much, and that's enough". It is written on their faces that they no longer have hate and fear.

- Azerbaijan is considered one of the most tolerant countries in the world. Do you agree? Why?

- Yes, I agree. Although Azerbaijan is not perfect in this regard, no country is impeccable. Nevertheless, I can assure everyone who reads these lines but has never been to Azerbaijan that the country and its people - from the president to the refugees - are making huge efforts and great strides in enhancing tolerance. I learned a very important lesson in Baku - we can live together if we learnt simply to respect each other. During a stroll in Baku or, for example, a dinner in the restaurant, it is clear that representatives of various religions and all walks of life enjoy the same rights. These people are safe and one can feel that they are happy. I am a believer and have been to different cities, and everything usually becomes clear immediately after your arrival. How will it be? How will people react? How is the country developing? After three days in Azerbaijan, I felt that the head of state and the government have set themselves the goal to change the country and its perception in the world.

- Have you learned something new in Azerbaijan? What message of peace do you think Azerbaijan can send to other countries of the world?

- In Azerbaijan I learnt a lot. For example, that love is still alive and well. Or that peace is really achievable. I learnt that we can all live in peace and can change people's views, convincing them that a peaceful life is achievable. Look at everything that man has done during all the time of his presence on the planet. The message of Azerbaijan to other countries is that the country could put peace above its other priorities. I encourage everyone to come and see with their own eyes what is happening in a new country, which has learnt a lot from its past and the actions of others.

- What do you think about the economic development of Azerbaijan? 

- The economy of this level is huge for the country. The country is turning into a wonderful place, of which many people are still unaware. Gas and oil will help to educate children and create in them a greater understanding of the need for peace and a quiet atmosphere in the country. It is important that the government of Azerbaijan is investing in peace projects and initiatives, in achieving an atmosphere of peace with neighbouring countries and in education. It is important to remember that all the wealth in the world cannot change the mind of man and his mentality. Therefore, it is important to foster in people from a very young age the understanding that peace is the only way to make progress. This applies to all people - all segments of the population, politicians, big companies, you and me. Maybe we will not be able to succeed at once, but we need to start today for a better tomorrow.