On the 31st August Michael Espiritu, a Knight and advisor to the Order of Malta, delivered a speech at the UN High Level Forum which was convened to discuss the promotion of a culture of peace in the digital era.
The Forum received notable interventions from representatives of Google and the Rector of the University of Peace in Costa Rica. Other delegations stressed the need for increased digital education, especially among the young, to build a culture of peace as technology develops into new and unchartered territory.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations, Michael Espiritu highlighted the work that the Order does to build a culture of peace in the use of digital technology. One key example of the Order’s work is the combatting of modern forms of human trafficking online. Stressing the need for peace in this area, Michael Espiritu highlighted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of Pope John XXIII’s encyclical Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth), where Pope John called on all nations to be committed to the building of peace in all areas of society.
The digital era offers so much opportunity, which requires a great deal of responsibility of not only organisations, but every individual person who uses modern technology. In this pursuit, the Order of Malta is committed to helping society build a culture of peace.
