Building peace through dialogue

I have always believed in the power of dialogue.

- SECRETARY CARLITO G. GALVEZ, JR.

These can range from high-level talks between heads of state to address pressing security concerns to a discreet gathering held in a barangay hall to deescalate tension between two families.It is these conversations that allow people to express their views, listen to the other party, and eventually come up with a consensus. I have witnessed and taken part in these talks as a former military officer and now as presidential peace adviser.

Last Dec. 1, public servants, peace-builders, and policymakers from across Southeast Asia converged in Manila for a five-day training workshop on interreligious and intercultural dialogue.

Each of the delegates shared their personal stories as well as their perspectives on peace and development challenges being faced by their communities. Their narratives had a common thread, and that is, how dialogue has helped deescalate tension and foster peace.

Organized by the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation and the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID), the training sought to deepen our collective understanding of dialogue as a tool for regional stability.

As I entered the venue and saw representatives from various ASEAN member-states exchanging views and experiences, I was reminded of how the simple act of listening can lead to lasting peace.