Abbas Mehran

Armed conflicts have ruined the lives of millions of people, and global warming threatens to destroy life on earth. However, we are witnessing an emergence of global consciousness concerning the need for a solution to these catastrophic human created phenomena. This initial wave of awareness, together with a faith in human ingenuity, has brought us some hope. To be effective, I believe, this human consciousness should be extended enough to bring children into focus, and embrace them as being our own “future”. Children are the future as well as the present. They are the most precious resources we have. If we want to achieve human peace, we should allow children to blossom fully by providing them, regardless of their background, with love, protection, healthy environment, and rich learning opportunities. Then, they would learn how to live together in harmony with themselves, others and the environment. Children are the main element of the human collective force in securing peace and environmental sustainability. As Mahatma Gandhi said “If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children”. Therefore, I believe, any activities, including those initiated by artists, designed to achieve human peace and a sustainable environment should concentrate on raising global awareness on children.  Link to an art exhibition on this subject:   https://abbasmehran.wordpress.com/2011/06/06/children/