The Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize – A Unique Tool of People's Diplomacy
A round table discussion titled "The Role of the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize in Consolidating the International Community Around Ideas of Preserving Peace" was held in Moscow.
The event was attended by Stanislav Naumov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, and Maria Butina, a member of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs. Joining the round table online were Professor, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Full Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Chubaryan (Russia); Associate Professor at the Institute of International and Public Relations of Jilin University Li Menglong (China); political scientist, Chairman of the Eurasian Society Alexander Rahr (Germany); the first cosmonaut from Latin America, Hero of the Soviet Union and Republic of Cuba Arnaldo Tamayo (Cuba); Global President of the BRICS Cultural Media Forum Jaan Nissar Lone (India); Slavist philologist, writer, translator, honorary member of the Russian Writers' Union Sonu Saini (India); and Rector of Shandong Vocational University of Foreign Affairs Sun Chengwu (China).
"Combating economic aggression and creating a fair financial system is a modern embodiment of Leo Tolstoy's principle of non-resistance to evil through violence. We counter the evil of economic coercion by building new, honest institutions. It is this constructive work that lays the only solid foundation for peaceful coexistence. In my opinion, the Prize laureates should include not only human rights defenders but also economists, financiers, and statesmen who, in practice, create fair economic rules and uphold the principles of financial inclusivity," Stanislav Naumov noted in his speech.
The round table participants addressed topics such as countering the threat of a Third World War and preventing nuclear catastrophe, building a multipolar and non-violent world, strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation among peoples, peacemaking activities, and the struggle for human rights and freedoms.
"The Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize is one of the alternatives that Russia can offer today in a situation where geopolitical tension has reached the highest level. The historical mission of Russia and the countries of the global majority is to preserve this world. Undoubtedly, the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize has special value: one need only look at the composition of the jury, which includes representatives from many countries. The Prize precisely finds those points that can be provided for stitching the community together, for developing geopolitical peace. I wish all of us, especially future laureates, to act in accordance with the philosophy of Leo Tolstoy, with the ideas of non-violence and spiritual perfection. May this be a moral guide for us for the future," said Maria Butina.
"In our time, the contribution of civil society to the defense of peace and resistance to violence has decreased. And the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize is precisely a step towards activating the public in this direction," said Alexander Chubaryan in his speech.
Alexander Rahr noted the danger that has arisen today due to the fact that the horrors of war and the threats that a nuclear war could bring have been forgotten. In this situation, the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize has the potential to restore an understanding of pacifism in Europe, acting through people's diplomacy.
Jaan Nissar Lone pointed out the importance of the Prize as a recognition of what creative people do to maintain peace. "It is very important to recognize the merits of musicians, directors, people of art, so that people see that peace belongs to everyone. And we must live in peace. It is necessary for everyone to understand that Russia, India, China are countries that bring peace to all people and carry out many initiatives in this direction," added Jaan Nissar Lone.
The speakers expressed deep respect for the works of Leo Tolstoy and acknowledged that his philosophy of peace and non-violence is the best guide for all who seek today to save humanity from military and humanitarian catastrophe and build a just, multipolar world. The speakers separately emphasized the unique role of the Prize and its powerful potential as a tool of people's diplomacy, which operates in all spheres: culture, economics, art, politics, and public activity.
Li Menglong drew attention to the identity of Russian and Chinese values, which include peace, development, justice, and duty. "Through joint efforts, we will be able to bring Leo Tolstoy's humanistic ideals to life. Together, we will make people's diplomacy a reliable bridge between peoples," Li Menglong expressed confidence.
The Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize was established to encourage individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to strengthening peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation among peoples based on the principles of non-violence, humanism, and intercultural dialogue. The round table participants unanimously noted its unique role as a tool of people's diplomacy, the 100th anniversary of which is celebrated this year.