MALAYSIA, A MODEL OF COEXISTENCE IN DIVERSITY: THE AMBASSADOR'S MESSAGE IN GENOA

During the third edition of “Kick War Away”, the Malaysian Ambassador highlights the importance of religious harmony, national unity and the responsibility of institutions in building lasting peace.

GENOA, ITALY – 12 October 2026

Peaceful coexistence among different religions, cultures and communities represents one of the fundamental challenges of contemporary society. In a world marked by tensions and divisions, Malaysia's experience offers an important contribution to international dialogue on peace, tolerance and social cohesion.

During the third edition of “Un Calcio alla Guerra – Kick War Away”, held in Genoa, Italy, on 10 October 2026, H.E. Dato’ Shahabudeen bin Adam Shah, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Italian Republic, delivered a significant message on the importance of peaceful coexistence in his country.

Speaking at the Rina and Gilberto Govi Theatre, the Ambassador recalled that Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, with approximately 65% of its population professing Islam, while also being home to substantial Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and other religious communities.

This diversity represents one of the defining characteristics of Malaysian society, where citizens of different religious and cultural backgrounds live, work and contribute together to national development.

Particularly meaningful was the Ambassador's emphasis on the responsibility of the State to prevent tensions, promote mutual understanding and preserve social harmony.

Differences should not become causes of division or conflict. Through dialogue, respect for institutions and the pursuit of peaceful solutions, cultural and religious diversity can become a source of strength for society.

Malaysia constitutionally recognises Islam as the religion of the Federation, while providing for other religions to be practised in peace and harmony.

Religious diversity should not be regarded as a threat to national unity, but as a shared responsibility that must be protected through justice, mutual respect and dialogue.

During the same ceremony, the Ambassador received, on behalf of H.E. Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Special International Peace Award 2026, presented in recognition of his commitment to promoting peace, interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

H.E. Ambassador Alfredo Maiolese, Secretary-General and Ambassador at Large of the World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP), highlighted the international importance of the Ambassador's message:

“Malaysia's experience reminds us that peace does not require the absence of differences, but rather the ability to manage them with wisdom, justice and respect. When Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Hindus contribute together to the life of a nation, diversity becomes a strength rather than a source of division. This is a lesson that deserves attention in Europe and throughout the world.”

The participation of the Malaysian Ambassador in the Genoa event, alongside numerous mayors, representatives of Italian institutions and religious communities, further strengthened the international significance of the initiative.

The WOS-IPSP considers dialogue among civilisations, the protection of religious freedom and the prevention of conflicts essential instruments for achieving lasting peace.

Malaysia's experience highlights the importance of institutions capable of promoting coexistence and addressing tensions before they develop into deeper divisions.

Peace does not emerge from the uniformity of peoples, but from their ability to live together in diversity.

World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP)

www.wostates.eu

WOS-IPSP incontra il Consolato di Capo Verde a Milano: confermata la partecipazione a “Un Calcio alla Guerra” WOS-IPSP reúne-se com o Consulado de Cabo Verde em Milão: confirmada a participação no evento “Un Calcio alla Guerra – Kick War Away”

Il Consigliere Marco Baragli presenta le attività dell'Organizzazione. Confermata la partecipazione della rappresentanza consolare a “Un Calcio alla Guerra” il 10 ottobre a Genova.

MILANO – Il Consigliere Marco Baragli, rappresentante della World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP), ha incontrato a Milano la Dott.ssa Edna Patricia Afonso Lopes, Console Onoraria della Repubblica di Capo Verde, e il  Viceconsole.

L'incontro ha costituito un'importante occasione di dialogo istituzionale, durante la quale il Consigliere Baragli ha illustrato le attività della WOS-IPSP, organizzazione intergovernativa impegnata nella promozione della pace, della cooperazione internazionale e del dialogo tra i popoli.

Nel corso dell'incontro è stato inoltre stabilito un collegamento telefonico con S.E. l'Ambasciatore Alfredo Maiolese, Segretario Generale della WOS-IPSP, che ha rivolto personalmente alle rappresentanti consolari l'invito a partecipare alla terza edizione di “Un Calcio alla Guerra – Kick War Away”, in programma sabato 10 ottobre 2026 a Genova.

L'invito è stato accolto favorevolmente, con la conferma della partecipazione alla manifestazione, che riunirà rappresentanti istituzionali, diplomatici, religiosi e comunità di diverse nazionalità.

La presenza della rappresentanza consolare di Capo Verde offrirà l'opportunità di conoscere direttamente le iniziative promosse dalla WOS-IPSP e il concreto impegno dell'Organizzazione nella costruzione di ponti di dialogo e solidarietà attraverso lo sport, la cultura e la cooperazione internazionale.

La WOS-IPSP ribadisce il proprio impegno a rafforzare le relazioni con le rappresentanze diplomatiche e consolari, nella convinzione che la pace si costruisca attraverso il dialogo, il rispetto reciproco e la collaborazione tra le nazioni.

Segretariato Generale WOS-IPSP

WOS-IPSP reúne-se com o Consulado de Cabo Verde em Milão: confirmada a participação no evento “Um Pontapé na Guerra”

O Conselheiro Marco Baragli apresenta as atividades da Organização. Representantes consulares participarão na manifestação internacional pela paz, no dia 10 de outubro, em Génova.

MILÃO – O Conselheiro Marco Baragli, representante da World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP), reuniu-se em Milão com a Dra. Edna Patricia Afonso Lopes, Cônsul Honorária da República de Cabo Verde, e com a Vice-Cônsul.

O encontro constituiu uma importante oportunidade de diálogo institucional, durante a qual o Conselheiro Baragli apresentou as atividades da WOS-IPSP, organização intergovernamental empenhada na promoção da paz, da cooperação internacional e do diálogo entre os povos.

Durante a reunião, foi também estabelecido um contacto telefónico com Sua Excelência o Embaixador Alfredo Maiolese, Secretário-Geral da WOS-IPSP, que convidou pessoalmente as representantes consulares a participarem na terceira edição de “Un Calcio alla Guerra – Kick War Away”, marcada para sábado, 10 de outubro de 2026, em Génova, Itália.

O convite foi acolhido favoravelmente, tendo sido confirmada a participação das representantes consulares na manifestação, que reunirá autoridades institucionais, diplomáticas e religiosas, bem como comunidades de diferentes nacionalidades.

A presença da representação consular de Cabo Verde proporcionará a oportunidade de conhecer diretamente as iniciativas promovidas pela WOS-IPSP e o compromisso concreto da Organização com a construção de pontes de diálogo e solidariedade através do desporto, da cultura e da cooperação internacional.

A WOS-IPSP reafirma o seu compromisso de fortalecer as relações com as representações diplomáticas e consulares, convicta de que a paz se constrói através do diálogo, do respeito mútuo e da colaboração entre as nações.

Secretariado-Geral da WOS-IPSP

Interfaith Dialogue, Peace and Human Rights: Marco Baragli’s Message from Lugano

LUGANO, 4 October 2026 – Peace and the protection of human rights require dialogue between people of different cultures and faiths, as well as practical cooperation in defence of human dignity. This was the central message of an address delivered in Lugano by Rev. Canon Marco Baragli, Adviser for Cooperation at the World Organization of States.

During the meeting, Ambassador Alfredo Maiolese presented Rev. Canon Baragli with a recognition in appreciation of his commitment to peace, interfaith dialogue and the defence of human rights.

Drawing on his experience in religion, education and ecumenical engagement, Rev. Canon Baragli observed that misunderstandings, lack of knowledge and a breakdown in communication can deepen tensions within society. Interfaith dialogue can help address these divisions by bringing communities together around shared values and encouraging mutual respect.

He also recalled a mission to Malaysia last July, where representatives of Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and Christian communities joined efforts to address the trafficking and exploitation of young women along routes linking Malaysia and Thailand. The initiative followed a request for support from a local Buddhist monk, and the issue was subsequently brought to the attention of the United Nations. The experience showed how dialogue can lead to practical cooperation when communities build trust and work toward clear humanitarian goals.

The defence of human rights, Baragli stressed, must apply to every person, regardless of religion or background. Human dignity is universal, and efforts to protect it call for solidarity and cooperation across religious and cultural boundaries.

Switzerland’s tradition of neutrality, mediation and peacebuilding gives it an important role in international dialogue. Geneva hosts the United Nations Office and many international organizations, while Lugano, at the meeting point of different cultural and linguistic communities, offers a meaningful setting for exchange and cooperation.

The meeting reaffirmed a simple principle: dialogue becomes a force for peace when it leads to shared responsibility and concrete action in defence of human dignity.

INVEST IN PEACE: THE GLOBAL IMPERATIVE OF SEPTEMBER 21st

By Marco Baragli

Contribution for the International Day of Peace – 21 September 2026

Every year on September 21st, the world observes the International Day of Peace, a global observance established by the United Nations to renew the collective commitment to non-violence, diplomacy and peace.

In an increasingly complex geopolitical climate, the 2026 United Nations campaign, “Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World,” emphasizes the need for concrete action and highlights, in particular, the importance of listening to, investing in and partnering with young people as agents of peace.

The fundamental objective is to emphasize that stability is not merely a passive state — the simple absence of war — but an active, ongoing process that requires concrete investments in education, human rights, social justice and inclusive societies.

The United Nations inextricably links the concept of peace to the 2030 Agenda, particularly through Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice and strong institutions.

The key focal points range from significantly reducing all forms of violence and related death rates worldwide to promoting the rule of law nationally and internationally and ensuring equal access to justice for all.

Concurrently, efforts are directed toward combating illicit financial and arms flows, tackling organized crime, fostering transparent and accountable institutions, and ensuring inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making processes.

Alongside the United Nations, international and intergovernmental bodies such as the World Organization of States (WOS-IPSP) can play an important role in strengthening multilateral cooperation for peace.

Through dialogue, mediation and preventive diplomacy, international organizations can contribute to defusing geopolitical tensions before they develop into open conflicts, while encouraging respect for sovereignty and transboundary cooperation in areas involving crucial resources such as water and energy.

Equitable economic development also represents an important instrument for stability and for addressing the conditions that can contribute to poverty, instability and humanitarian crises. International cooperation remains equally essential in protecting refugees and civilian populations affected by conflict.

The intersection between the United Nations' strategic vision and the practical action of international organizations demonstrates that conflict prevention, the reduction of inequalities and humanitarian diplomacy are interconnected dimensions of the same commitment to peace.

Ultimately, September 21st serves as a vital reminder that building a peaceful society extends far beyond international negotiation tables.

It demands the daily contribution of citizens, institutions and international organizations alike through tolerance, cooperation, dialogue and an unwavering commitment to justice and human dignity.

Il Colonnello Antonino Giaramita al Raduno Interregionale ANFI di Fossano

 

La World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP) esprime apprezzamento per la partecipazione del Colonnello Antonino Giaramita, membro dell’Unità WOS-IPSP per la Sicurezza, al I Raduno Interregionale dell’Associazione Nazionale Finanzieri d’Italia (ANFI), svoltosi a Fossano, in provincia di Cuneo.

L’iniziativa ha riunito rappresentanti dell’Associazione, autorità, cittadini e realtà del territorio in un momento di incontro dedicato ai valori del servizio, della memoria, della legalità e della responsabilità verso la comunità.

Il Colonnello Giaramita ha preso parte ai lavori del Comitato Organizzatore del Raduno con l’incarico di cerimoniere, contribuendo alla buona riuscita di un appuntamento che ha valorizzato la tradizione delle Fiamme Gialle e il legame tra le istituzioni e la cittadinanza.

Il programma ha incluso la partecipazione della banda musicale e momenti culturali e cerimoniali, in un clima di sentita partecipazione.

Per la WOS-IPSP, iniziative come questa rappresentano un esempio concreto di come il rispetto delle istituzioni, la cultura della legalità e il servizio al bene comune possano rafforzare la coesione sociale e la fiducia tra le comunità.

La WOS-IPSP rivolge al Colonnello Antonino Giaramita le proprie congratulazioni per la qualificata presenza e per l’impegno profuso nell’ambito dell’iniziativa.

*Foto: Antonino Giaramita / Comitato Organizzatore del I Raduno Interregionale ANFI 2026, Fossano.*

 

English

Colonel Antonino Giaramita Attends the ANFI Interregional Gathering in Fossano

The World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP) expresses its appreciation for the participation of Colonel Antonino Giaramita, member of the WOS-IPSP Security Unit, in the First Interregional Gathering of the National Association of Italian Finance Police Officers (ANFI), held in Fossano, in the Province of Cuneo.

The initiative brought together representatives of the Association, public authorities, citizens and local organisations for an occasion dedicated to the values of service, remembrance, legality and responsibility towards the community.

Colonel Giaramita served on the Gathering’s Organising Committee as Master of Ceremonies, contributing to the success of an event that honoured the tradition of the Italian Finance Police and the relationship between institutions and citizens.

The programme included the participation of the musical band as well as cultural and ceremonial moments, in an atmosphere of sincere public participation.

For WOS-IPSP, initiatives of this kind offer a concrete example of how respect for institutions, a culture of legality and service to the common good can strengthen social cohesion and trust among communities.

WOS-IPSP extends its congratulations to Colonel Antonino Giaramita for his distinguished participation and commitment to this initiative.

*Photos: Antonino Giaramita / Organising Committee of the First ANFI Interregional Gathering 2026, Fossano.*

WOS-IPSP International Press Review – "A Small State Is Not a Small Sovereignty"

La Testata Italiana pubblica l’intervista all’Amb. Alfredo Maiolese, Segretario Generale e Ambasciatore at Large della World Organization of States – WOS‑IPSP, sulla “One State, One Vote Initiative”, il diritto di veto e il futuro del multilateralismo.

La Testata Italiana publishes the interview with Ambassador Alfredo Maiolese, Secretary-General and Ambassador at Large of the World Organization of States – WOS‑IPSP, on the “One State, One Vote Initiative”, the right of veto and the future of multilateralism.

La Testata Italiana publie l’entretien avec l’Ambassadeur Alfredo Maiolese, Secrétaire général et Ambassadeur at Large de la World Organization of States – WOS‑IPSP, consacré à l’initiative « One State, One Vote », au droit de veto et à l’avenir du multilatéralisme.

La Testata Italiana publica la entrevista con el Embajador Alfredo Maiolese, Secretario General y Embajador at Large de la World Organization of States – WOS‑IPSP, sobre la iniciativa « One State, One Vote », el derecho de veto y el futuro del multilateralismo.

Alfredo Maiolese – International Institutional and Diplomatic Activities

 

Alfredo Maiolese, Secretary-General and Ambassador at Large of the World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP), is engaged in international diplomacy, cooperation, conflict prevention and the promotion of peace.

His public and international activities over the years are documented by institutional sources, international organizations, news agencies, newspapers, television networks and media from different countries.

A comprehensive International Documentary Archive provides direct access to these sources, including institutional documents, press articles, interviews, television reports and audiovisual records.

International Documentary Archive – Alfredo Maiolese:

https://www.eml.fm/alfredo-maiolese-international-press-media-and-public-activities-documentary-archive-international-sources-interviews-and-institutional-activities/

---

Alfredo Maiolese – Attività istituzionale, diplomatica e internazionale

Alfredo Maiolese, Segretario Generale e Ambassador at Large della World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP), svolge attività nel campo della diplomazia internazionale, della cooperazione, della prevenzione dei conflitti e della promozione della pace.

La sua attività pubblica e internazionale nel corso degli anni è documentata da fonti istituzionali, organizzazioni internazionali, agenzie di stampa, quotidiani, televisioni e media di diversi Paesi.

Un Archivio Documentale Internazionale consente di consultare direttamente queste fonti, tra cui documenti istituzionali, articoli di stampa, interviste, servizi televisivi e registrazioni audiovisive.

Archivio Documentale Internazionale – Alfredo Maiolese:

https://www.eml.fm/alfredo-maiolese-international-press-media-and-public-activities-documentary-archive-international-sources-interviews-and-institutional-activities/