The International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) at 22 – Manila Bulletin

PEACE MAKER

When we conceived the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) here in Manila in September 2000, not many believed that it would be possible to unite political parties, ruling and opposition and with different ideologies, under one roof in a common policy . house.
However, the challenges we faced did not deter us from pursuing our modest vision for Asia.

Our organization is a small step, a humble beginning of our dream to build a community and a union for Asians.

Today, the International Conference of Asian Political Parties consists of about 350 ruling, opposition and independent political parties from 52 countries in Asia, including the main political parties in the Philippines.

Not only have we deepened our partnership in advancing the causes of peace, security, development, dialogue, understanding and cooperation among countries and peoples in Asia. We have extended our reach to other continents, with our working partnerships with Latin American political parties under the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPPAL), the Council of African Political Parties (CAPP), as well. as different political parties in Europe. We had also begun to explore ways and means of cooperation with the US Democratic and Republican political parties.
We have established various auxiliary groups namely Youth Wing, Women’s Wing, Media Forum, Asia Europe Political Forum (AEPF), Asian American Business Council (ICAPP-COPPPAL), Asian Cultural Council (ACC), Program ICAPP for Disaster Assistance (IPDA), and the Council for the Promotion of Tourism and Inter-City Cooperation (TEMA).

Indeed, we political parties in Asia have brought into our organization many different notions of the world in which we live. There are those of us who are on opposite ends of the political spectrum, and there are those who advocate change in society and those who oppose it.

History teaches us that since the earliest days of democracy, there have been political groups offering what might be described as “different opinions” on how best to serve the interests of citizens.
We also know from history that civil wars were fought over such differences. In our time, there are residual groups like these, but we believe we can change our politics without stirring up so much hostility.

Because the overarching feeling that has brought us to ICAPP is our willingness to understand, our openness to listen among the diversity of our views. Such differences do not erase, but in fact create the need for dialogue.

Because truly, “despite our differences, there is far more that unites us than divides us.” What unites us is much greater than what can divide us.

We at ICAPP are united by our collective desire and capacity to meet humanity’s greatest challenges in the modern era. We are united by goals that transcend national borders as well as interests that are embraced by all. And we may see some that we will have to fight on a global scale in the years to come.
We continue to fight against global poverty, while much of it has been eradicated, much, much more needs to be done to combat widespread poverty in Asia, Latin America and Africa, even in dense slums populated large countries. Western cities.

We face ongoing violence from extremist ideology and, across our continents, unfinished wars and conflicts so deep in their historical and cultural roots that they seem beyond any viable or acceptable solution to the parties to the conflict.

We must isolate and defeat those who support intolerance and hatred, those who advocate terrorism, extremism and bloodshed in the name of ideology and religion.

Another more serious threat is climate change, which has become a clear and present danger to our fragile planet and to the longevity of the human race.

Against this threat, our organization can and must become a political force and a moral force to mobilize peoples and nations and make them act together.

Then there is still the deadly Covid-19 pandemic that has claimed millions of lives and destroyed communities, economies and livelihoods around the world.

There will be a great need for transnational, cross-cultural groups like ours, as the problems we face increasingly transcend national, regional, and even hemispheric boundaries.

We cannot turn away from the pursuit of peace, because the alternative, which is war, would cost immeasurably and make us all losers.