Fruitful dialogue at UN seminar on John Paul II

High-level Seminar and Panel Discussions at the United Nations
John Paul II: Contribution to modern thought of social justice and peace

"I feel an obligation to reaffirm vigorously that the intrinsic value and the personal dignity of every human being does not change no matter what the concrete situation of his life." ~John Paul II

The purpose of this day was to examine the thought of Pope John Paul II as it pertains to the dignity of the human person, and the particular impact his thought and his life’s work has had on Freedom, Democracy, Social Justice and Development.  Today, Tuesday, March 28 begins a three-day conference with young people from all regions of the world, picking up the theme of good governance from the seminar yesterday, with a special emphasis given to young people as the future of society. 

One-day Seminar in the Dag Hammerskold Auditorium

Opening Session (10-10:45am):

Welcome: Mr. Shashi Tharoor, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information

Statements of welcome: sponsors of event**

Opening remarks: H.E. Alojz Peterle, former Prime Minister of Slovenia

Keynote Speaker: George Weigel  – Introduction to the life and work of John Paul II.

Panel 1: Solidarity, Democracy, Social Justice and Peace (10:45-12:45):

Professor Wojciech Roszkowski MEP – Solidarity & the influence of John Paul II

Ambassador Bahemuka – Kenya: Building democracy through non-violence

Senator Kit Tatad – the effect of corruption on democracy

Panel 2:  The Dignity of the Person, Freedom and Human Rights (3:30-5:30):

Habib Malik – Multicultural elements in the human rights project

Rabbi David Novak – Dignity of the person, freedom, human rights

Kathryn Hoomkwap – Social development and the human person

Closing Celebration (7pm on):  World Youth Alliance House, 228 East 71^st Street

**Supporting Missions: Poland, Holy See, Timor L’Este, Cameroon, Romania

Sponsor: World Youth Alliance

Patrons: Prince and Princess of Liechtenstein