GLOBAL PEACE MUST BE ANCHORED ON STRONG INSTITUTIONS, SAYS INDIAN ENVOY

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Global peace must be anchored on strong institutions, shared values, and adherence to international law amid rising geopolitical and economic uncertainties, said Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia B.N. Reddy.

Speaking at the Rotary World Peace Day held in conjunction with Rotary International Night 2026 here on Monday (Feb 23), he said peace requires constant reinforcement through cooperation at both national and international levels.

“Peace must be reinforced through strong institutions, shared values and adherence to international law,” he said, reflecting on his experience in international diplomacy, including service at the United Nations.

Reddy said today’s global landscape is shaped by “geopolitical contestation, economic fragmentation, technological disruption and persistent inequalities”, making preventive diplomacy and inclusive development increasingly critical.

He also underscored the importance of engaging youth in peace-building efforts.

“Younger generations will play a decisive role in shaping future stability,” he said, adding that inclusive participation is vital in sustaining long-term peace.

On technological change, Reddy warned that while the world had previously grappled with a digital divide, it must now prepare for an emerging “AI divide”.

“If left unaddressed, this could create new disparities,” he said, stressing the need for preparedness and cooperation as technological advances continue to outpace governance frameworks.

Meanwhile, the president of KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, at the same event, highlighted the close link between stability and prosperity.

“Economic growth cannot be sustained in environments marked by conflict and uncertainty,” he said, adding that peace and harmony are essential to ensuring business confidence and long-term development.

Yeoh also pointed to what he described as the “three I’s” affecting global stability – namely inequality, indifference and international order – and proposed prioritising the “three E’s” – namely education, employment and the environment – as foundations for sustainable peace.

From a geopolitical standpoint, Chairman of CARI ASEAN Research and Advocacy and President of the ASEAN Business Club Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid said major-power behaviour is increasingly affecting economies and societies worldwide.

“Countries must not remain passive observers but actively contribute to shaping the evolving international order,” he said.

Meanwhile, Organising Chairman of Rotary International Night Datuk Ramesh Kodammal emphasised that peace is a necessity not only at the global level but also in daily life within homes, workplaces and communities.

He said that in a world marked by uncertainty and rapid change, the search for peace must be approached from multiple dimensions including diplomacy, economics and global governance.

Rotary World Peace Day, observed annually on Feb 23, commemorates the founding of Rotary in 1905 and reflects the organisation’s enduring commitment to promoting goodwill, understanding and cooperation across cultures and communities.

-- BERNAMA