PENANG (Malaysia), 5 July 2026 – The historic Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the largest and most important Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, today became the setting for a remarkable moment of dialogue, friendship, and mutual respect between representatives of different faiths united by a common aspiration: building a more peaceful world through education, understanding, and cooperation.
The meeting brought together Venerable Dato' Seri Seck Jit Heng, President of the Malaysian Buddhist Association, and Father Marco Baragli, Cooperation Councilor of the World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP), intergovernmental organization. Their exchange reflected the conviction that authentic peace is born not from the absence of differences, but from the willingness to understand and respect them.
Surrounded by the extraordinary beauty of the "Temple of Supreme Bliss," renowned for its magnificent seven-story pagoda combining Chinese, Thai and Burmese architectural traditions, the participants explored the role that education and spirituality can play in preventing conflict and promoting international harmony.
During the dialogue, Venerable Seck Jit Heng offered a profound reflection on the essence of Buddhist teaching:
"The Buddha is not a god; Buddha is education. Our mission is to educate ourselves to create peace in every situation. If everyone acts only according to personal desires, there can be no peace. You and I are symbols of peace."
His words highlighted one of the central principles of Buddhist philosophy: peace begins with inner transformation. Rather than focusing on individual ambition or ego, humanity is called to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and self-discipline, thereby creating the conditions for peaceful coexistence.
Father Marco Baragli welcomed this vision, emphasizing that Christianity also considers peace a responsibility entrusted to every human being. While Buddhism stresses overcoming the ego through awareness and education, Christianity calls believers to overcome selfishness through love of neighbor and reconciliation.
Although rooted in different religious traditions, both perspectives converge on a shared conviction: lasting peace requires personal commitment, ethical education, and respect for human dignity.
This message closely reflects the mission of the World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP), intergovernmental organization, which promotes dialogue among peoples, peaceful cooperation between nations, and the resolution of disputes through diplomacy rather than confrontation.
The meeting concluded with a symbolic exchange of blessings. The Buddhist representative wished, "May Buddha bless you," while Father Baragli responded, "May God bless you." These expressions did not seek to erase theological differences but demonstrated that sincere goodwill and respect can unite people of different beliefs without compromising their own identities.
Statement by Ambassador Alfredo Maiolese
H.E. Ambassador Alfredo Maiolese, Secretary-General of the World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP), intergovernmental organization, declared:
"Peace cannot be imposed solely through political agreements; it must be cultivated through education, mutual respect, and sincere dialogue among cultures and religions. Meetings such as this demonstrate that diplomacy is strongest when it is supported by moral values and by the willingness to listen. The World Organization of States will continue to encourage every initiative that transforms diversity into cooperation and builds bridges where others see barriers."
From the hills of Penang, today's encounter offers a meaningful reminder that the path toward global peace begins with education, mutual understanding, and the courage to recognize our shared humanity.
