Peace on Earth, Good Will to All “Surely the most important right which any of us must have is the right to be free from starvation, and undoubtedly the biggest security threat facing us is hunger. Yet today we find ourselves, once more, in the position of another grave hunger crisis, one of cataclysmic proportions. For example, we see horrific, preventable scenes of famine and severe malnutrition across the Horn of Africa, a region that has endured devastating hunger three times in three decades. We as a global community have the capacity to anticipate and prevent regional and global famines, giving meaning to the words “never again”. Food insecurity is contributing to, and exacerbating, conflict. It is a moral choice between tolerating monopolistic economics at international level and the right to survive. Our world must address issues of sufficiency in a different and sustainable way. Ours, and the Council’s, purpose must be to achieve in our democracies conditions of peace. If we enter and accept a time where it is impossible to talk of the aspiration of peace, then the Council of Europe, and indeed us all, will have failed.” Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, “Reasserting the Moral Weight of the Council of Europe” Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, Strasbourg, Tuesday, 11th October 2022
They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Image: Madonna and Child – Cathedral Church, Mdina, Malta Solemnly crowned in 1897, always venerated with great devotion in the cathedral and all over Malta and beyond. Copy of image gifted for Christmas Card to President and Sabina Higgins by Cathedral following Arraiolos European Presidents Visit to Malta in October, 2022.
With every good wish for a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year Beannachtaí na Nollag agus Athbhliain faoi shéan is faoi shonas
UACHTARÁN NA hÉIREANN President of Ireland 2022
PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
“When we have been successful with our Climate Change Action Plans and have Áras an Uachtaráin, Phoenix Park, D08E1W3. honoured our Climate Justice Pledges we will have achieved the 17 Sustainable @PresidentIRL Development Goals and have a flourishing sustainable planet for all.” - Sabina Higgins Áras an Uachtaráin, D08 E1W3
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