147,000.

This is the number of military conflicts recorded last year.

Why? You may ask.

Why are there so many conflicts today’s world? Why is it that, despite all our efforts, the world cannot escape the shadows of war?

Through my experience with Model United Nations, I have come to realize that solving each conflict requires more than just negotiations. There is something that lies deeper, way deeper than the superficial handshakes and smiles we see on television.

My Father is Taiwanese-American and my Mother is Japanese, and so I have been fortunate enough to have experienced different cultures from a young age. At the same time, however, I learned that a difference in culture can spark arguments sometimes.

Now, this may be about something unimportant, but this small gap in our hearts is exactly what causes thousands of conflicts each year.

This harmless disagreement is exactly what leads to deadly fighting.

This insignificant prejudice against others is exactly what destroys peace around the world.

For me, peace is when everyone, regardless of race, nationality, religion, or belief, can live in harmony without prejudice against one another. In order for this to happen, we must fully understand that despite our differences, we all are the same human beings.

That is why I propose the Peace Diary, or the 「平和の交換日記」

The Peace Diary is an exchange diary system between students of different countries.

When schools sign up for this course, students are automatically assigned Buddies from 3 or 4 other countries. Then they take turns submitting a diary entry, writing about what they did today at school, or some things that made them happy that day. They will be able to read each other’s diary entries, as well as communicate through the program.

So what does this do?

To put it simply, it gives students of the same age from all over the planet a chance for long-lasting, personal interactions. It gives them a chance to realize that although we may be from different countries, we all share the same hopes, the same worries, the same pains, and the same dreams.

And when the Japanese tradition of exchange diaries and today’s tides of globalization merge together, it creates a powerful bond of peace.

With the Peace Diary, we can turn prejudice into harmony.

With the Peace Diary, the leaders of tomorrow will live in unity, not in hostility.

With the Peace Diary, achieving real “Peace” is just around the corner.

Thank you.